WORLD : A Moscow court has issued a record-breaking fine against Google, escalating an ongoing dispute over the tech giant’s restrictions on Russian state-linked channels on YouTube. The court initially set a daily fine of 100,000 roubles, around $1,200, which doubled each day Google didn’t comply. The resulting penalty now stands at two undecillion roubles—a two followed by 36 zeros—or approximately $20 decillion. According to the International Monetary Fund, this fine now far exceeds the global GDP of around $110 trillion.

The fine began accumulating when Google blocked content from 17 Russian media channels, including Tsargrad TV, which has been known for its strong pro-government stance. This decision triggered legal action under Russia’s Administrative Offences Code, specifically Article 13.41, which penalizes unauthorized restrictions on legally permitted content.

Google’s actions were seen as part of broader Western efforts to curb propaganda amid rising global tensions, especially following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Economic Times

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