Let $\chi$ be an idele class character over a number field $F$, and let $\pi,\pi'$ be any two cuspidal automorphic representations of $\mathrm{ GL}_2(\mathbb{ A}_F)$. We prove that the Rankin-Selberg $L$-function $L(s,\mathrm{ Sym}^2(\pi)\times(\mathrm{ Sym}^2 (\pi')\otimes\chi))$ has a "standard" zero-free region with no exceptional Landau-Siegel zero except possibly when it is divisible by the $L$-function of a real idele class character. In particular, no such zero exists if $\pi$ is non-dihedral and $\pi'$ is not a twist of $\pi$. Until now, this was only known when $\pi=\pi'$, $\pi$ is self-dual, and $\chi$ is trivial.
Categories: math.NT