EU fines Google $1.02B over Digital Markets Act breaches

Investigators determined that Google displayed its proprietary shopping, hotel, transport, and sports services more prominently than competing offerings, including placement at the top of results pages alongside enhanced visuals and filters. Third-party services did not receive comparable visibility, creating an unfair advantage for Google's own properties, the commission said.

Play Store anti-steering

A separate investigation found that Google prevented app developers on its Play Store from freely informing users about alternative or potentially cheaper purchasing options available outside the platform. The company also blocked developers from directing users toward purchases through external websites and competing app stores, while charging steering-related fees that exceeded permitted levels under the DMA.

Commission response

European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera emphasized the need for fair competition, stating: "The best products should succeed because they're better, not because they're owned by the company running the search engine." Google has begun testing modifications to its search results and steering rules, according to the commission, which is also reviewing the company's proposals regarding AI Overviews and AI Mode.

Regulators ordered Google to terminate both violations and comply with the decisions within 60 days. Failure to meet the deadline could result in periodic penalties reaching up to 5% of the company's total worldwide turnover, the commission warned.