BRUSSELS — Europe’s highest court has upheld a record €4.1 billion fine against Google, closing one of the European Union’s most significant antitrust cases and delivering a clear message about the limits of Big Tech’s power, according to Hurriyet Daily News.
The European Court of Justice rejected Google’s appeal against the penalty, which was first imposed by the European Commission in 2018. The fine, the largest ever handed down by the EU for competition violations, stems from Google’s conduct surrounding its Android operating system.
Regulators argued that Google used Android’s global dominance to give its own services an unfair advantage. According to the Commission, the company required smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and the Chrome browser on Android devices. This, officials said, reduced the visibility and chances of rival apps competing in the market.
Google had challenged the decision, insisting that Android remains an open platform and that users are free to download competing apps with ease. The company also pointed to Apple, arguing that similar practices exist within its closed ecosystem.
However, the court found no legal fault in the earlier judgment. It ruled that the pre-installation agreements imposed by Google did, in fact, restrict competition. The judges dismissed all remaining arguments and ordered Google to cover legal costs.
The fine had already been slightly reduced from €4.3 billion to €4.1 billion in 2022 by a lower court, but it still stands as a historic penalty.
In response, Google said it had already adjusted its business practices and would continue focusing on innovation, openness, and supporting its users and partners.
