Report: Google to receive highest DMA fine over its Search practices

Last year, the EU preliminarily found that Google self-preferences its own services in Search.

The EU is gearing to fine Google in the high triple-digit million euro range for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), reported German newspaper Handelsblatt.

The penalty is in relation to a March 2025 investigation over Google’s dominance in the Search ecosystem. The probe is nearing completion and is expected to be announced before the summer break, the publication reported yesterday (25 May).

This is expected to be the highest fine imposed so far under the DMA since its enforcement in 2022. So far, Apple and Meta are the only companies to be penalised under the law since its enforcement nearly four years ago, with Apple receiving a €500m fine last year – the highest penalty yet.

The Commission’s probe into Google – a designated gatekeeper subject to strict rules under the DMA – preliminarily found that the company self-preferences its own services in Google Search over those of third parties.