The Russian government has imposed an astronomical fine on Google, reportedly amounting to a figure far exceeding the global GDP. This arose from a 2020 court ruling against Google concerning its video platform YouTube, which blocked several Russian media accounts. Since then, Google has been penalized with a daily fine of 100,000 rubles. Experts indicate that if the fine remains unpaid for nine months, its amount will double daily with no upper limit. Only compliance with the court's decision would allow Google to re-enter the Russian market, and the fine now surpasses Google’s own market value.
Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Google shut down its Russian branch, with its subsidiary declaring bankruptcy. Russian authorities have already seized over $100 million from the bankrupt entity. Despite the colossal financial claims from Russia, Google’s recent financial report suggests that these ongoing legal issues are unlikely to have a substantial adverse impact.
Analysts note that Google is unlikely to pay the fine, and Russia cannot retrieve the amount, as all of Google’s assets in Russia have been seized. The claims made by the Russian government hold validity only domestically, with international bodies being necessary to hold Google accountable.
