By comparison, the world’s combined economy is estimated to be $110 trillion, making Google’s fine a sum beyond comprehension in real-world terms.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked on the fine, calling it symbolic, and suggested, “Probably, this… should be a reason for Google’s management to take notice and rectify the situation.”
A Growing Rift: Russia and Google
The ongoing legal battle traces back to 2022, when Google halted advertisements to Russian users and stopped monetizing content supporting Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
Since then, the company has blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels, including those associated with Russian state-sponsored news. It also removed more than 5.5 million videos.
On Thursday, the Kremlin reiterated its demand that Google lift restrictions on certain Russian TV channels, with the court ruling stating that Google can only resume operations in Russia after compliance.
While Google’s Russian subsidiary declared bankruptcy in 2022, the tech giant has continued some limited operations within Russia.
