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EU Hits Google With $1 Billion Fine in First Major Digital Markets Act Ruling. The European Commission fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) on Thursday, marking the first financial penalty issued under the European Union's landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA). The sanctions consist of a €460 million fine over Google's search business and a further €430 million for anti-competitive practices linked to its Google Play app store. EU regulators concluded that Google unfairly favoured its own services, including shopping, hotel and travel results, in its search engine while limiting rivals' visibility. The Commission also found that Google prevented app developers from freely directing users to cheaper offers or alternative payment options outside the Play Store, restricting competition. Brussels ordered the company to bring its practices into compliance with the DMA or risk additional penalties, with Google expected to outline corrective measures within 60 days. Google criticized the decision, arguing that the EU's requirements could reduce the quality of its products and ultimately harm European consumers and businesses. The ruling is the latest chapter in the EU's long-running campaign against Big Tech, following years of antitrust investigations that have already resulted in billions of euros in fines against Google. The decision is expected to intensify transatlantic tensions over the regulation of U.S. companies, although the EC insists the enforcement action is based solely on European competition law.
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