Why was Google fined by the EU?
Major antitrust fines that challenged Google’s dominance in the digital market.
➤Abuse of Android Dominance:
In 2018, the European Union fined Google €4.34 billion for forcing Android phone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome, which stifled competition.
➤Google Shopping Antitrust Case:
In 2017, Google was fined €2.42 billion for giving preferential placement to its own shopping comparison service, harming rivals in the search results.
➤Adsense Violations Led to More Fines:
In 2019, Google was hit with a €1.49 billion fine for restrictive clauses in AdSense contracts, which blocked third-party websites from displaying rival ads.
➤EU Accused Google of Market Manipulation:
The European Commission found that Google manipulated search algorithms to favor its own services, reducing consumer choice and innovation.
➤Total EU Fines Surpassed €8 Billion:
Combined, the EU’s three major antitrust penalties against Google total more than €8.25 billion, making it one of the most heavily fined tech companies in Europe.
➤Fines Were Based on EU Antitrust Laws:
These actions were grounded in Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibit market abuse and anti-competitive behavior.
➤Google Denied Wrongdoing and Appealed:
Google denied all allegations, arguing its products benefit consumers and that users have choice. It filed appeals for each of the major fines.
➤Set a Precedent for Big Tech Regulation:
The EU’s actions against Google became a global benchmark for how governments might regulate tech giants and enforce digital market fairness.
➤Prompted Changes in Google’s Business Model:
Following the fines, Google altered how it offers Android in Europe and opened bidding for rival search engines on Android devices.
➤Ongoing Investigations Continue:
Even after these penalties, the EU continues to investigate Google, particularly regarding its advertising technology practices and data usage policies.
The End