European Union risks US fury after hitting Google with fines of €890 million
The European Union has fined Google €890 million for anti-competitive practices, including favoring its own services and restricting app developers. The move has drawn criticism from the US government, which warns that such actions threaten transatlantic trade stability.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in the regulatory battle between the EU and US Big Tech, potentially leading to retaliatory trade measures.
THE EUROPEAN UNION today hit Google with fines totalling €890 million, in a move that risks escalating tensions with the United States.
The EU fined the US tech giant €460 million for illegally favouring its own services – such as Google Flights and Google Hotels – over rivals in search results.
A second fine of €430 million was levied because Google barred app developers from showing consumers offers, free of charge, outside the Google Play store, the European Commission said in a statement.
“After this decision, we want to make sure that there is more competition and also other companies are able to innovate,” EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said.
A senior EU official said Google still favours its own services, though the second fine covers only the period from March 2024 to December 2025.
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