Russian court fines Google $20 decillion for blocking pro-Kremlin media outlets, fine is worth more than the world’s GDP

Google' clash with Russia is not a very old story, as the tussle keeps reviving over time, and in this instance, a Russian court has surprised everyone by declaring a $20 decillion fine on the tech giants for violating laws, when they blocked pro-Kremlin media outlets. The fine has been compounded with other penalties imposed on Google, after it blocked 17 Russian TV channels as a result of international sanctions. These TV channels were all speaking in favor of the Kremlin, and in support of the Russian aggression on Ukraine, among other things.

Russia fines Google in decillions?

After Russia's decision to block these media channels, it has now got engulfed in a legal battle, with so many zeroes in the fine, that it can make anyone nervous. Google had previously shut down its Russian division in 2022 after Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. However, many of Google's services including its search engine, alongside YouTube, have remained accessible in the country.

Google funds used to fund Ukraine war?

Even when Ukraine had been invaded by Russia, bailiffs who were working on behalf of Moscow, had snatched away a $100 million from the bankrupt Google subsidiary in Russia, in order to fund Putin's war efforts against Ukraine, says The Telegraph's report. Meanwhile, Google is of the opinion that these ongoing legal matters will have a material adverse effect. And somehow this has reflected in their earnings report, which has not seen a dent from the Russian legal matters.

FAQs:

Are Google Services available in Russia?
Yes, a select few Google services are currently available in Russia, as a majority were disabled following Google's withdrawal from the country following the Russia-Ukraine war.

How much did Russia fine Google?
Russian courts have fined Google in decillions, a figure that is worth nearly more than the world's GDP.