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EU Fines Google €890 Million Under Digital Markets Act

The Commission ordered specific changes within 60 days to curb Search self‑preferencing, Play 'anti‑steering' rules, raising the risk of U.S. trade retaliation.

Overview

  • The European Commission on Thursday fined Google two separate breaches of the DMA totaling €890 million for giving its own services enhanced prominence in Search and for restricting how developers can steer users away from Google Play.
  • Brussels found Google used top‑of‑page placement, enhanced visuals and filters to favor its shopping, travel and sports services over rivals, and that Play contracts and technical limits blocked developers from informing users about cheaper external offers.
  • The Commission gave Google 60 days to implement specified remedies or face periodic penalties equal to up to 5% of daily global revenue until it complies.
  • Google rejected the ruling, saying the required changes would force it to remove real‑time Search features like instant prices and availability and would weaken security protections in Google Play.
  • President Trump ordered a Section 301 trade investigation in response, a move that could produce tariffs or other measures and that underlines the decision's wider impact on transatlantic trade and the enforcement reach of the DMA.