EU hits Google with new $1bn fine, saying it broke digital antitrust rules

The European Commission has imposed a substantial fine on Google for anticompetitive conduct under the Digital Markets Act, the EU's framework for regulating large technology platforms. The penalty follows months of investigation and represents the latest enforcement action in the bloc's comprehensive effort to constrain what it views as unfair practices by dominant digital firms.

According to EU officials, Google leveraged its control of search and app distribution to favor its own services and applications over competitors, limiting consumer choice and developer opportunities. Teresa Ribera, the Commission's executive vice president, emphasized that superior products should succeed on merit rather than through ownership advantages, and that consumers deserve transparent information about alternative offers from app developers.

The 890-million-euro fine is the largest single penalty issued under the Digital Markets Act to date, though it represents only 0.22 percent of Google's global turnover. The Commission has threatened escalating "periodic penalty payments" if Google fails to comply within 60 days. This action follows earlier 2025 penalties against Meta and Apple under the same regulatory framework.

Google's leadership contested the decision, arguing that compliance would require removing popular features such as real-time pricing information and direct availability displays for hotels, flights, and restaurants. The company also expressed concern about dismantling safety protections on its app store. The EU has previously fined Google substantial amounts under different antitrust provisions, including a 2.95-billion-euro penalty in September of the prior year.