In an extraordinary move, a Russian court has imposed an astronomical fine on tech giant Google, amounting to two undecillion roubles—a sum so vast it defies comprehension, represented by a two followed by 36 zeros. This figure, equivalent to $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, in US dollar terms, dwarfs even the combined GDP of the world, estimated at $110 trillion by the International Monetary Fund.
The penalty stems from Google’s restriction of 17 Russian state media channels on its platform YouTube, a measure that began in 2020 and intensified after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically, with most Western companies withdrawing from Russia and sanctions severely limiting business operations in the country.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, acknowledging the sheer absurdity of the fine’s magnitude, admitted he “cannot even pronounce this number” but urged Google’s management to address the situation. To date, the tech giant has not issued a public response or replied to requests for comment from the BBC.
The Russian state news agency Tass has reported that the fine continues to grow exponentially, suggesting it serves as a statement rather than a feasible demand for payment. This latest development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Russian government and US tech companies, particularly over issues of content control and media freedom.
Russia’s actions against Google began to ramp up in May 2021, when the state media regulator, Roskomnadzor, accused the company of restricting access to channels such as RT and Sputnik and supporting “illegal protest activity.” This was followed by a hefty fine of 21.1 billion roubles (£301 million) in July 2022 for failing to block “prohibited” material related to the war in Ukraine and other politically sensitive content.
Since the invasion, European nations have banned Russian media outlets, prompting Moscow to retaliate by imposing severe restrictions on Western technology companies. Google’s local subsidiary declared bankruptcy in 2022, ending most commercial operations in Russia, including advertising services. Despite these measures, Google’s products remain accessible within the country.
The fine reflects the broader context of stifled press freedom in Russia, where independent media and dissenting voices have been systematically suppressed. This situation leaves little room for transparency or objective reporting, underscoring the tension between state-controlled narratives and global tech companies navigating complex geopolitical realities.
