The dispute stems from 2020 when YouTube blocked Russian YouTube accounts for violating sanctions

In an unprecedented move, Russia has imposed a colossal fine on Google, demanding a mind-boggling $2.5 decillion (that’s 33 zeros after the 2.5) over the tech giant’s alleged censorship of pro-Kremlin media on YouTube. The fine, which dwarfs previous penalties in the tech industry, is part of an escalating digital battle that has been intensifying since 2020, according to The Moscow Times.

Major Russian media networks, including state-owned channels such as Zvezda, Channel One, and VGTRK (operators of Russia 1 and Russia 24), among others, filed the claim for an astounding 2 undecillion rubles—equivalent to around $2.5 decillion, according to RBC News. At the recent hearing on October 28, the presiding judge highlighted the staggering sum, remarking on its unusual scale and calling it a case with “many, many zeros.”

The fine arises from Google’s failure to comply with previous court orders mandating the reinstatement of these Russian media accounts on YouTube. The court warned Google that non-compliance would lead to compounding fines, with no ceiling on the amount. Starting at 100,000 rubles daily, the fine doubles every week until the channels are restored—a ticking financial time bomb for the tech behemoth, according to The Moscow Times.

The legal dispute between Russian media organisations and Google ignited when the video-sharing platform blocked accounts linked to several state-backed Russian networks. Since then, the tech giant has repeatedly cited sanctions compliance as the justification for suspending content from these channels, including high-profile networks like Tsargrad TV and RIA FAN. Google argued that the media entities involved were under U.S. sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s geopolitical actions since 2014, per reports from RBC News.

Source:ibtimes.co.uk