EU fines Alphabet $1B US for Google Play, search infractions
The European Union has fined Alphabet approximately $1 billion for antitrust violations related to Google Play and search result preferences. The EU claims these practices stifle competition, while Google argues the regulations force the degradation of useful consumer features.
Why it matters
This decision marks a major enforcement action under the Digital Markets Act, signaling the EU's continued aggressive stance toward regulating Big Tech's market dominance.
However, the U.S. tech giant and its parent Alphabet are likely to avoid fresh fines as EU regulators lauded good progress in its ongoing efforts to comply with the landmark legislation.
The fines underscored Europe's determination to prevent Big Tech companies from thwarting rivals, defying U.S. criticism and retaliatory tariff threats.
One fine of 460 million euros ($738.5 million Cdn) was handed out to Google by the European Commission under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for favouring its own services in shopping, hotels, transport and sports results in search results.
A second fine of 430 million euros ($689 million Cdn) targeted Google's restrictions on its app store Google Play preventing app developers from steering users free of charge to cheaper offers on rival app stores or websites.
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