Moscow court slaps Google with $20 decillion fine over Russian channel block on YouTube

Vartha Bharati | 01-11-2024 | 09:48:00 IST

Representative image | Photo: Freepik

Moscow: A Moscow court has issued an unprecedented $20 decillion fine against Google, following its block on Russian state-affiliated channels like Tsargrad TV on platforms including YouTube. The amount, a figure surpassing the global GDP, has drawn worldwide attention as it highlights ongoing tensions over content censorship.

This legal dispute began when Google blocked Tsargrad TV, a pro-government channel, four years ago, later extending restrictions to other Russian state-linked media. Russia’s invocation of Article 13.41 of its Administrative Offences Code, which prohibits unauthorised restrictions on legal content, led to the court-imposed penalty of 100,000 roubles per day, doubling every 24 hours that Google did not comply. The fine eventually ballooned to 2 undecillion roubles, equivalent to $20 decillion.

In response, Google halted operations in Russia, declaring bankruptcy amid unmanageable legal demands. Following this, Russian authorities seized $100 million in assets from the company, reportedly allocating the funds to military support.

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Four killed, 15 injured in explosion at power plant in Chhattisgarh

14-04-2026 ¦ 14-04-2026 IST

Representational Image (PTI)

Sakti (Chhattisgarh), Apr 14 (PTI): Four workers were killed and 15 others injured in an explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district on Tuesday, police said, adding that some workers are feared trapped at the site.

According to preliminary information, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Limited power plant in Singhitarai village in the afternoon, a senior police officer said.

"Four workers have died, and 15 others sustained injuries," said Prafull Thakur, Superintendent of Police, Sakti district.

Soon after receiving information, local administration and police teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.

The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while rescue efforts are underway amid fears that some workers may still be trapped at the site, the officer added.