The Russian government has imposed a staggering fine on Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, amounting to $20.6 decillion, a sum that far exceeds the gross domestic product (GDP) of the entire world, which is estimated at $105.4 trillion in 2023. This punitive measure, which has been accumulating since 2020, stems from Google’s refusal to restore YouTube accounts associated with pro-Kremlin media outlets.
The fine reportedly accumulated over four years. It began in 2020 when YouTube suspended Russian state-affiliated channels like Tsargrad TV and RIA FAN, following U.S. sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It started at 100,000 rubles daily, doubling each week due to Google’s noncompliance.
Lawyer Ivan Morozov, cited by TASS news agency, explained that the penalty has no cap, allowing it to grow. Russian authorities, while imposing fines, have chosen not to block YouTube, which is widely used in Russia.
The case involves 17 Russian media outlets, including Tsargrad and the military-affiliated Zvezda. In response to sanctions on Tsargrad’s owner, YouTube restricted the channel and similar state-affiliated accounts. Google halted its advertising in Russia last year and declared bankruptcy for its Russian subsidiary.
The sum stands as one of the largest fines in history, and is enforceable only within Russia. Not only does the fine far exceed the world’s GDP, but it also surpasses Google’s total revenue of $88.2 billion and market valuation of $2 trillion, making it impossible for the company to pay.
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