The European Commission imposed fines totaling 890 million euros on Google for breaching the bloc’s digital competition regulations. The penalties were split into a 460 million euro fine related to Google’s search practices and a 430 million euro penalty concerning its Google Play app store regulations.
Google has been instructed to adhere to the Commission’s rulings within 60 days, or face potential penalty payments amounting to 5% of its global turnover. The Commission criticized Google for allegedly favoring its own services, such as shopping, hotels, transport, and sports results, over those of competitors in Google Search, thereby violating its obligations under the DMA.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, stated that Google’s actions did not comply effectively with the Digital Markets Act. The Commission emphasized the importance of fair competition, asserting that superior products should succeed based on merit, not due to ownership by the search engine operator.
Under the DMA, Google Play app developers should be able to inform customers about alternative offers free of charge and direct them to make purchases on other platforms. However, the Commission found that Google had failed to meet this requirement, hindering app developers from promoting offers and engaging with users on various distribution channels.
