Regulators penalized Google for self-preferencing in search and restricting app developers from promoting cheaper alternatives.
The European Commission imposed a €890 million fine on Google for breaching the Digital Markets Act, citing unfair advantages for its own services in search results. The penalty includes €460 million for self-preferencing and €430 million for app store restrictions.
Under the DMA, gatekeepers must avoid favoring their own services over third-party offerings. Regulators found Google elevated its shopping, hotels, and transport results with richer visuals and tools not available to competitors. The Commission also determined Google’s app store fees and charging periods exceeded DMA limits.
Google has 60 days to comply or face additional penalties up to 5% of its global annual turnover. The company has begun testing new search result formats and app store modifications in response to the ruling.