Google loses long-running appeal of record EU fine, will have to cough up $4.7 billion
Summary
The Court of Justice of the European Union has confirmed a $4.7 billion fine against Google for abusing its dominant position in the Android phone market. The fine is related to Google making its search engine and Chrome browser the default options on many Android devices, which the EU says limits competition.Key Facts
- In 2018, Google was fined 4.34 billion euros (about $4.9 billion) by the EU for abusing its Android market monopoly.
- A lower court later reduced the fine to 4.1 billion euros ($4.7 billion), which Google must now pay.
- The EU's complaint focuses on Google bundling its search engine and Chrome browser as default apps on Android phones.
- This affects devices from companies like Samsung and Xiaomi, making Google's apps automatically used.
- Google argues there is plenty of competition because users can install alternative apps and search services.
- Europe has a history of similar cases, like forcing Microsoft to offer browser choices in Windows.
- Google has made some changes, like adding ballot screens and supporting third-party app stores, largely due to legal pressure.
- The EU is using new laws, such as the Digital Markets Act, to increase oversight of big tech companies including Google.
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