The European Union fines Google a total of €890 million (about US$1 billion), citing breaches of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. The European Commission says the penalties relate to two competition and market-access issues affecting users and app developers in the EU. First, it says Google illegally favours its own services in search, giving examples such as Google Flights and Google Hotels being promoted over rival offerings. Second, the Commission says Google restricts app developers’ ability to inform customers about alternative offers outside Google Play, which it characterizes as limiting access to cheaper purchase options.
The decision requires Google to stop the non-compliant practices, according to reports from multiple outlets. Several sources also note that the timing is politically sensitive, occurring shortly before the first anniversary of a US-EU tariff arrangement that reduced trade friction. They add that the fine could further inflame tensions with the United States, as US leadership has accused the EU of targeting American tech companies and has threatened retaliation through tariffs.
