The European Commission has fined Google 890 million euros, or just over $1 billion, for violations of the Digital Markets Act involving search results and the Play Store. The penalties cover self-preferencing in search and anti-steering practices in the app store. Google has 60 days to comply or face further penalties.
The Commission split the fine into two parts: 460 million euros for giving preferential treatment to its own services in Google Search results for shopping, hotels, transportation and sports, and 430 million euros for restricting app developers on Google Play from promoting cheaper alternatives outside the store.
Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s executive vice president, said in a statement that the best products should succeed because they are better, not because they are owned by the company running the search engine. The ruling requires Google to treat third-party services fairly in search and to allow app developers to communicate offers freely.
Google said the action would harm European businesses and consumers. Kent Walker, its president of global affairs, stated that the company is stripping away real-time Search features Europeans love and dismantling safety protections on Google Play to comply. The company is testing changes to search presentations and has already updated steering terms on Google Play.
Google can appeal the decision. The Commission noted good progress on some changes and said the fines followed a thorough investigation.
