Russia says $20 billion fine against Google is 'symbolic' | Russia

The Kremlin said the heavy fines Russia imposed on Google were largely symbolic and aimed at encouraging the US tech company to lift restrictions on Russian YouTube channels.

The total amount of legal claims against Google in Russia is two billion rubles ($20 billion), a figure higher than all the world's money combined, according to Russian news agency RBK.

“I can’t even pronounce this number, but it is rather imbued with symbolism,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

“Google shouldn’t restrict the actions of our broadcasters, but it does. This should be a reason for Google management to pay attention and correct the situation,” he added.

Since the start of its Ukraine offensive in February 2022, Russia has imposed heavy fines on social media companies accused of hosting anti-Kremlin or pro-Ukraine content.

YouTube is still available in Russia, but authorities have repeatedly threatened to take it down over bans on Russian state-owned content.

Russian courts have repeatedly imposed fines on YouTube owner Google in an attempt to force the tech company to comply. The legal costs multiply with every day that the company does not comply with Moscow's demands.