The European Commission fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) on Thursday after finding the company had violated the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which ensures fair online competition.
Google was designated a gatekeeper for Google Search in September 2023, with non-compliance investigations opened in March 2024.
On Thursday, the Commission said the company favored its own services on Google Search and restricted how app developers could direct customers to cheaper purchase options on the Google Play app store.
"The Commission found that Google gives preferential treatment to its own services, including shopping, hotels, transport and sports results, over those of third parties in Google Search, thereby breaching its obligations under the DMA," it noted.
"Google prevents app developers from freely communicating and promoting offers and concluding contracts with users in distribution channels of their choice, including third-party app stores."
