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European Union: Opened EC investigation into Google for alleged abuse of dominance regarding its search engine

Policy overview

Description

Opened EC investigation into Google for alleged abuse of dominance regarding its search engine

On 15 April 2015, the European Commission (EC) opened a formal investigation into Google for possible violations of EU antitrust rules by allegedly abusing its market dominance in the search engine market. Besides allegedly abusing its dominance in …

Scope

Policy Area
Competition
Policy Instrument
Unilateral conduct regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
search service provider
Implementation Level
supranational
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
central government

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2015-04-15
under deliberation

On 15 April 2015, the European Commission (EC) opened a formal investigation into Google for possib…

2016-04-20
under deliberation

On 20 April 2016, the European Commission (EC) published its statement of objections as part of its…

2018-07-18
in force

On 18 July 2018, the European Commission (EC) fined Google EUR 4.34 billion for violations of EU an…

2018-10-09
under appeal

On 9 October 2018, Google appealed the EUR 4.34 billion fine it was handed by the European Commissi…

2022-09-14
in force

On 14 September 2022, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) largely confirmed the EU Commission's (EC…

2025-06-19
under deliberation

On 19 June 2025, the Advocate General adopted an opinion in case C-738/22 P, proposing that the Eur…

Key regulatory dimensions

Regulated subjects

The businesses, government agencies or individuals affected by this policy or regulatory change.
defendant
1
Type Private organisation
Economic activity software provider: app stores,other service provider
Category Firm-specific

Policy change by business practice

The detailed activities within the scope of this policy or regulatory change.
software: app store: marketing (any form)
software: operating system: sale

Policy change by business practice

The detailed activities within the scope of this policy or regulatory change.

software: app store: marketing (any form)

software: operating system: sale