EU fines Google $1 billion after Commission says digital antitrust breaches undermine fair competition across Europe today again publicly.
The European Union has fined Google 890 million euros ($1bn), saying the technology giant breached digital antitrust rules by directing users of Google Play and its search engine towards its own services and apps instead of those offered by rivals.
The penalty, announced on Thursday, is the latest step in Brussels’ campaign to tighten regulation of major technology companies. It follows Google’s recent failure to overturn a $4.5bn antitrust fine over the dominance of its Android mobile operating system, which regulators said reduced competition and consumer choice.
The European Commission said the action was taken to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the digital market.
“The best products should succeed because they’re better, not because they’re owned by the company running the search engine. And European consumers have a right to be told by app developers where to sign up to the best offers, even when the app store owner does not get a cut,” said Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s Executive Vice President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition.
“In the EU, businesses have the right to compete fairly. Gatekeepers have the obligation to ensure a level playing field and consumers the right to choose for cheaper alternative offers,” European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said.
The latest sanctions bring Google’s total penalties under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) above those imposed on any other company. The EU fined Meta 200 million euros and Apple 500 million euros in 2025 under the same legislation.
The DMA came into force in 2024 to curb anti-competitive practices by the world’s largest technology firms and promote fair competition across digital markets.
The investigation into Google began in 2024. The Commission had been expected to announce its decision for several months, although officials faced criticism over delays linked to concerns about relations with Washington.
Under the DMA, the EU can fine companies up to 10 per cent of their total global turnover for violations. A second EU official said Google’s latest fine amounts to 0.22 per cent of the company’s turnover.
The Commission said the penalties could increase if Google fails to comply within 60 days, warning the company could face “periodic penalty payments”.
Google’s Head of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, criticised the decision, saying the company was being forced to “strip away real-time Search features Europeans love – like instant pricing and direct availability for hotels, flights, and restaurants – and dismantle safety protections on Google Play”.