Russia Fines Google 36 Zeros, No Less!
In a decision of surreal proportions, the Russian courts have fined Google $20 billion, a sum with 36 zeros that is far larger than the entire world economy combined. The blow comes after YouTube removed several Russian pro-government channels, including Zvezda and Channel One, for allegedly spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda.
This colossal fine marks a symbolic act rather than a financial penalty that is actually required. It is unlikely that Google, subject to international sanctions that restrict its activities in Russia, will pay a cent of this sum. In 2024, Google had been ordered to restore these accounts, under penalty of an exponential fine doubling each week. The company preferred to pay the bill rather than give in to Russian injunctions.
The verdict is part of a digital war in which every blockage and fine becomes a political act and a showdown between Moscow and major Western technology companies. For the Russian government, this decision is a way to mark its territory in cyberspace, displaying its discontent with the Silicon Valley giants and their control over the dissemination of information.
In short, Russia is banging its fist on the table to signal that it will not let American companies censor its voices with impunity, without really expecting to see any of this money.
