Russia has imposed a 36-figure fine on Google. The reason is the blocking of more than 200 channels, accused of broadcasting pro-Russian propaganda on YouTube. This sum remains “symbolic” and will not be paid by Google.
Even the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, admitted that he was unable to “pronounce this number”. 17 Russian channels are demanding an astronomical sum from Google for having blocked their content on YouTube, according to the business newspaper RBK.
“The total claims of Russian television channels (to the Russian court) against Google due to the blocking of accounts on YouTube reached two undecillion rubles”the newspaper then mentioning an amount with 36 zeros. “The court is forcing the company to restore access, and until it does, the penalty will increase every day”continues RBK.
A “symbolic” fine
Asked about this astronomical sum, Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, insisted on its nature “symbolic” : “I can’t even pronounce this figure. This claim shows the significant nature of our channels’ claims against Google.” “Google should not restrict the activities of our media, but Google does. This should push their leaders to pay attention and correct the situation”he continued.
“Even for laymen, it is obvious that Google will not pay the fine set by the Russian court”commented lawyer Alexandre Khaminskii for the Russian agency RIA-Novosti.
YouTube still accessible in Russia
In July, Russia asked Google to unblock more than 200 Russian channels on YouTube, suspended for “propaganda” of the Kremlin. Several hundred people demonstrated in front of the United States Embassy in Moscow to protest against this blockage. The pro-Kremlin singer Shaman, whose YouTube channel had just been blocked, notably took part.
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Russian power, which continues to see “Russophobia”has for its part considerably strengthened its control over the Internet since the start of its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, like Facebook and Instagram which are inaccessible without a VPN. YouTube has never been blocked, but rumors of its ban resurface regularly, especially since in March 2022, the Roskomnadzor authority had accused Google and YouTube of activities “terrorists”.
ZS With AFP
