Google has been fined €890 million by the European Union (EU). The penalty is worth about KSh129 billion. The European Commission said Google broke the bloc’s digital rules. Two separate fines were issued on Thursday.
The move marks a major step in Europe’s fight against Big Tech power.
Search Results Were Targeted
The first fine was set at €460 million. It was linked to Google Search. The Commission said Google gave its own services better treatment. The services included shopping, hotels, transport and sports results. They were said to have been shown more clearly than rival services.
The EU said such treatment breached the Digital Markets Act. The law requires large technology platforms to treat rivals fairly.
Google Play Was Also Hit
A second fine of €430 million was issued. It concerned Google Play. The Commission said app developers were not given enough freedom. They should be allowed to tell users about cheaper offers elsewhere. They should also be able to direct users to other websites and app stores.
The EU said Google’s rules placed restrictions on that process. Google was ordered to end the practices found to be unlawful.
Google Pushes Back
Google has rejected the Commission’s findings. Kent Walker, the company’s president of global affairs, criticised the decision. He said the changes could affect services used by European consumers. Google also warned that some search features could be removed.
The company has indicated that legal action could be considered. Google has 60 days to comply with the Commission’s orders.
EU Defends Its Action
EU officials defended the decision. Teresa Ribera, the EU’s competition chief, said the bloc must enforce its laws. Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s technology chief, said the goal was fair competition. The Commission has also acknowledged progress by Google towards compliance.
It said the company had begun testing changes to its search results. Changes were also being tested for shopping ads and other services. The Commission said further penalties may be avoided if progress continues.
US Criticism Adds Tension
The decision has also deepened tensions between Europe and the US. The Trump administration has criticised EU action against American technology firms. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the moves were creating uncertainty for US companies.
The EU has rejected the suggestion that its rules target US firms. Officials say the rules are designed to protect competition across the European market.
A Wider Big Tech Fight
The Google penalties are among the latest under the Digital Markets Act. The law was introduced to curb the power of the biggest technology platforms in Europe. The latest action shows the EU’s willingness to enforce those rules.
For Google, the focus now shifts to compliance. The company must change the practices cited by European regulators.
The dispute may also continue in court if Google challenges the Commission’s decision.
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