Russian court fines Google $2.5 decillion for blocking Kremlin-linked accounts
A Russian court has fined Google $2.5 decillion for blocking Kremlin-linked accounts on its platforms. This fine, which is significantly larger than the world's GDP, has been increasing weekly since 2020 due to Google's non-payment. The fine follows a lawsuit from two Kremlin-linked media outlets regarding restrictions on their YouTube channels. Google has also banned other Russian outlets supporting the war in Ukraine, contributing to the escalating fines. Google has been reducing its operations in Russia, including blocking new account creation and limiting ad revenue for Russian nationals. The company's Russian subsidiary filed for bankruptcy in 2022 after Russian authorities seized its bank account.