Google hit with $1 billion fine for breaking EU antitrust rules

Google has been fined €860 million (approximately $930 million) by the European Commission for violating EU antitrust rules concerning its Search and Play Store services. The company is required to change its policies within 60 days to avoid further penalties. These changes mandate fair treatment of third-party services in Search results and allow Android developers to freely promote alternative payment options to users.

• Google received two fines totaling €860 million from the European Commission for antitrust violations.
• A €460 million fine was issued for giving preferential treatment to Google’s own services in Search results.
• A €430 million fine was imposed for Play Store rules that blocked Android developers from offering alternative payment options.
• Google has 60 days to modify its policies for Search and the Play Store.
• In Search, Google must treat third-party services fairly and without discrimination.
• Google must allow Android developers to freely promote offers inside and outside the Play Store.
• The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) targets large ‘gatekeeper’ companies to ensure fair competition.
• Google has previously been fined €2.42 billion in 2017 for similar antitrust breaches.
• Google is also facing legal challenges regarding Play Store policies in the US.
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