The European Commission fined Google 890 million euros for giving preferential treatment to its own services in Google Search and restricting user routing to alternative purchasing channels, according to an official institutional statement released on Thursday.
European Commission Fines Google 890 Million Euros for Digital Markets Act Breaches
According to the European Commission, the tech giant failed to comply with the Digital Markets Act by favoring its proprietary services within search results and imposing restrictions on companies attempting to direct consumers to cheaper alternative buying channels on Google Play. The institution issued two distinct decisions resulting in a 460 million euro penalty for search bias and a 430 million euro penalty for app store restrictions.
Brussels stated that Google presents its own shopping, hotel, transport, and sport services more prominently. These proprietary offerings appear at the top of the page with enhanced visual elements and filters, while third-party competitors lack equivalent placement, based on the European Commission’s findings.
Restrictions on Alternative Purchasing Channels and App Store Fees
Regarding user routing to alternative offers, the European Commission concluded that Google prevents application developers from freely communicating, promoting offers, and executing contracts with users through distribution channels of their choice. Furthermore, Brussels argued that the fees charged by Google for user routing, along with the duration of the billing period, exceeded compatibility thresholds established by the Digital Markets Act.
The European Commission ordered Google to halt the non-compliance. The company must treat third-party services in search results fairly and non-discriminately compared to its own services. It must also allow developers distributing via Google Play to communicate, promote offers, and conclude contracts with users outside the application store.
Did you know? The European Union has previously levied massive antitrust penalties against Google exceeding 11 mil milhões de euros in total, including a 2,95 mil milhões de euro fine in 2025 for abusive practices in digital advertising and a 4,125 mil milhões de euro penalty concerning Android, which was confirmed by the Court of Justice of the EU this month.
Compliance Deadlines and Potential Penalties
Google has 60 days to comply with the decisions, or the company faces periodic penalty payments reaching up to 5% of its total worldwide turnover, according to the European Commission. The EU executive noted that Google has already initiated testing on modifications for presenting services in Google Search and introduced changes to routing rules, which the institution views as positive progress toward compliance. Google retains the right to appeal the decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Google fined 890 million euros by the European Commission?
The European Commission issued two fines totaling 890 million euros because Google breached the Digital Markets Act by favoring its own services in Google Search and restricting developers from routing users to alternative, cheaper purchasing channels on Google Play.
What must Google do to comply with the EU ruling?
According to Brussels, Google must end its non-compliance within 60 days by treating third-party search services fairly and allowing Google Play developers to promote offers and execute contracts outside the app store.
Can Google appeal the decision?
Yes, Google has the option to appeal the European Commission’s decisions before the European courts.
What are your thoughts on the European Commission’s enforcement of the Digital Markets Act against major technology firms? Share your perspective in the comments below.