Why it matters: The BBC reports that a Russian court has imposed a fine on Google that’s larger than all the money in the world. This showcases how nations are increasingly using legal systems to pressure tech giants over content control. This isn’t just about money—it’s about who controls what we see online.
The Penalty: The court ordered Google to pay $20 decillion (20 followed by 33 zeros) for blocking Russian state media YouTube channels following the Ukraine invasion. This astronomical figure exceeds both Google’s $2 trillion market value and the global GDP of $110 trillion.
- Fine doubles daily if unpaid (NBC)
- Exceeds world’s total wealth
The Context: The case stems from Google’s 2020 decision to block channels linked to sanctioned Russian individuals and escalated after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company has since faced increasing pressure from Russian authorities. This is not a great time for Google, who is even feeling the pressure from rival search engines.
- Russian subsidiary declared bankrupt
- The company’s local bank accounts seized
Global Impact: While clearly symbolic, the fine represents a broader pattern of nations attempting to control online content through legal pressure. Russian media outlets have even appealed to courts in other countries, with South Africa’s High Court granting asset seizure motions.
