BUSINESS

Brussels fines Google €890 million under EU DMA

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European Union regulators have imposed an €890 million (about $1 billion) fine on Google for allegedly favoring its own services in search results, marking the first major enforcement action against the company under the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. The European Commission said on Thursday that Google’s shopping, hotel and other proprietary services were displayed more prominently than comparable third-party offerings. Regulators also found Google breached anti-steering rules by preventing app developers using Google Play from freely promoting cheaper alternatives and concluding contracts via external channels, including third-party app stores. The Commission ordered Google to ensure fair, non-discriminatory treatment of rivals and greater developer freedom.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2022 EU Digital Markets Act enters into force
2023 DMA obligations begin applying to gatekeepers
Early 2024 Commission investigates Google search practices
Early 2024 Regulators assess Google Play steering compliance
Today EU announces €890 million fine against Google
Today Commission cites discriminatory search result prominence
Today EU orders non-discriminatory treatment for third-party services
Today Google required to allow broader developer contracting

Why This Matters to You

This fine on Google impacts your online experience. If you use Google for searches, you might notice more diverse results. For app developers, it could mean more freedom to promote and sell their products. Check your favorite apps for potential changes or deals.

The Bottom Line

The EU is cracking down on tech giants, enforcing fair competition. This could reshape the digital landscape, making it more balanced for smaller companies. Worth forwarding if you know someone developing an app or interested in tech trends.