Putin's Russia fines #Google with $20 Decillion, More than money that exist on earth

Russia has imposed an unprecedented fine on Google, totaling an unimaginable $20 decillion—a 2 followed by 34 zeroes—over YouTube’s decision to block Russian state-run media channels amid the Ukraine conflict.

This penalty, far beyond any feasible financial amount, was issued after a Russian court found Google in violation of national broadcasting regulations for barring access to these channels.

The ruling stipulates that Google must reinstate the blocked Russian channels or face fines that double daily if compliance is not achieved within nine months. This development follows YouTube’s 2022 global ban on Russian state-operated channels like RT and Sputnik, in line with its policy against content that denies or downplays violent events.

YouTube has removed over 1,000 channels and more than 15,000 videos related to Russia’s narratives on the Ukraine war, initially restricting Russian state media in Europe before expanding the ban worldwide.

Since 2020, Google has been subject to fines over blocked Russian channels from state-affiliated outlets Tsargrad and RIA FAN, and 17 Russian broadcasters have joined legal efforts to force Google to reinstate their content.

Although Google has reduced operations in Russia since the invasion began, YouTube and Google Search remain accessible. However, Google’s Russian subsidiary filed for bankruptcy after the government seized its accounts.

The Kremlin has called the fine largely symbolic, aiming to signal the gravity of the issue to Google and other Western platforms. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the staggering fine amount underscores the significance Russia places on access to its state media.