A Russian court has fined Google 3.8 million roubles (nearly Rs 36 lakhs) for some YouTube videos, a report claims. Russian news agency TASS (via Reuters) reports that these videos allegedly instructed Russian soldiers on how to surrender.
This fine is part of an ongoing effort by the country to pressure foreign tech companies to remove content it deems illegal, including information it considers to be “fakes” about the war in Ukraine.
Google has yet to share an official comment about this fine
Russia denies YouTube download speed allegations
According to Reuters, some critics have also claimed that Russian authorities are intentionally slowing down YouTube’s download speeds to hinder access to content critical of President Vladimir Putin and his government.
However, Russia has denied the allegation, claiming that the issue to Google’s failure to upgrade its equipment — which the company and other technology experts disputed.
In December 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Google of being a tool used by the US government for political gains, the report added.
This Google fine in Russia exceeded the ‘entire world’s GDP’
In November 2024, a Moscow court fined Google a staggering $20 decillion (a 2 followed by 33 zeros) for failing to restore banned pro-Kremlin YouTube channels. This fine, which exceeds Google’s market value and even the entire world’s GDP, is the result of accumulated penalties that began in 2020 and doubled weekly under Russian law.
The penalty stems from Google’s refusal to reinstate YouTube accounts of Russian state media and pro-government channels blocked after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While acknowledging the astronomical and symbolic nature of the fine,
“Although it is a specific amount, I cannot even pronounce this number, it is rather filled with symbolism,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said to reporters.
17 Russian TV channels, including state-run and military broadcasters, filed legal claims against Google to enforce court rulings in multiple countries.
In 2022, Google’s Russian subsidiary went bankrupt after authorities seized its bank accounts, though its free services remain operational.