People walk next to a Google icon in Beijing on November 12, 2025. ADEK BERRY / AFP
Google on Friday, November 14, announced changes to its advertising services to avert the risk of a breakup, two months after Brussels hit the US giant with a massive fine. The European Commission slapped a €2.95 billion antitrust fine on Google for favoring its own services in September, giving the company 60 days to resolve the issues raised.
The penalty drew an angry rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who threatened fresh tariffs on the EU if it was confirmed. Google has said it will appeal the fine.
"Our proposal fully addresses the decision without a disruptive break-up that would harm the thousands of European publishers and advertisers who use Google tools to grow their business," a Google spokesperson said. Despite agreeing to the adtech changes, Google said it still disagreed with the EU decision.
Brussels will now assess the commitments – which come as the bloc treads a line between its determination to enforce its tech rules and its wariness of further provoking Trump.
