In a staggering legal move, a Russian court has imposed a fine of two undecillion roubles—equivalent to a two followed by 36 zeroes—on Google for limiting access to Russian state media channels on YouTube. This penalty translates to approximately $20 nonillion, or $20 quintillion, a figure that vastly exceeds Google’s estimated $2 trillion valuation and the world’s total GDP of around $110 trillion.
The fine continues to escalate, as highlighted by Russian state news agency Tass. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed incredulity at the amount, admitting he could not even pronounce it but urged Google to take notice.
This hefty fine stems from Google’s actions concerning 17 Russian media channels, which began in 2020 and intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Many Western companies have since withdrawn from Russia or faced stringent operational restrictions due to sanctions, with Russian media also being banned in Europe, leading to retaliatory measures from Moscow.
Despite declaring bankruptcy for its local subsidiary and halting commercial services in Russia—including advertising—Google’s products remain available in the country.
The fine marks a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and the tech giant. Previously, in May 2021, Russia’s media regulator accused Google of restricting access to Russian media outlets and facilitating “illegal protest activity.” In July 2022, the company was fined 21.1 billion roubles for not curbing access to content deemed “prohibited” regarding the Ukraine war.
Press freedom in Russia is virtually nonexistent, with independent news outlets facing severe repression and restrictions on freedom of expression.