European Union: EC sanctions Google with a fine of EUR 4.34 billion for abuse of dominance regarding its search engine

Description

EC sanctions Google with a fine of EUR 4.34 billion for abuse of dominance regarding its search engine

On 18 July 2018, the European Commission (EC) fined Google EUR 4.34 billion for violations of EU antitrust rules by abusing its market dominance in the search engine market. Google was found to have restricted Android device manufacturers and mobile network operators in an effort to strengthen its dominant position in the search engine market. Specifically, Google was found to have tied its search app as well as Google Chrome to the Google Play Store, by restricting access to the Google Play Store to device-makers that pre-installed the aforementioned apps. Furthermore, Google made revenue share payments to device manufacturers conditional on the exclusive pre-installation of Google search and finally, restricted smartphone and tablet manufacturers from selling devices containing different Android versions (in light of Android being an open-source mobile operating system with an open-source license). Google now has 90 days to end the uncompetitive behaviour, or it will face additional penalties amounting to 5% of Alphabet's average daily worldwide turnover.

Original source

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…

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

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