EU fines Google $1 billion

Of the fine, 4.6 billion euros were imposed for giving priority to Google's own shopping, hotel, travel, and sports-related services in search results. According to the Commission, such actions have limited equal competition opportunities for rival companies.

Additionally, due to Google Play Store policies, app developers faced obstacles in informing users about alternative app stores or lower-priced offers on their own websites. Google was fined another 4.3 billion euros for this violation.

This is the first punitive measure against Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) since it came into effect. However, over the past two decades, this marks the fifth and sixth fines imposed by the EU on Google for anti-competitive behavior. In total, the fines imposed on the company amount to 103.8 billion euros.

EU antitrust chief Teresa Rivera said it is the Commission's responsibility to ensure proper enforcement of European laws. Meanwhile, technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen stated that the main goal of the Digital Markets Act is to ensure a fair and equal competitive environment in the technology sector.

The Commission has ordered Google to align its operations with the law within the next 60 days. Otherwise, the company may face stricter measures or additional financial penalties.

Meanwhile, Google has criticized the European Commission's decision and is considering appealing it in court. In a statement, the company's President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, claimed that implementing the new rules would require limiting some popular search features for European users and could weaken the security framework of the Google Play Store.