Trump threatens EU will pay ‘big price’ after Brussels fines Google $1bn

The European Union has fined Google $1 billion for antitrust violations, accusing the US tech giant of favoring its own services in search results and restricting app developers. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened the EU with steep tariffs and a new trade investigation, stating the bloc "will pay a very big price" and calling the penalties "highly unethical." The European Commission ruled that Google breached the bloc's Digital Markets Act by giving preferential placement to its own shopping and travel services and preventing app developers from directing users to external deals. Google has 60 days to change its practices or face further fines. This action adds strain to US-EU relations.

The European Union has fined Google 890 million euros ($1 billion) for violating digital antitrust rules. The EU's executive branch stated that Google unfairly steered users of its search engine and Google Play towards its own services and apps, hindering competition. This penalty is part of the EU's broader crackdown on Big Tech under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to ensure fair competition in the digital market. Google has stated that the ruling will force it to remove features and dismantle protections. The EU has previously imposed significant fines on Google and other tech giants for similar competition law breaches.

The European Union has fined Google a total of €890 million (US$1 billion) for two separate antitrust violations. The first fine, amounting to €460 million, was imposed because Google illegally prioritized its own services, such as Google Flights and Google Hotels, in search results over those of competitors. The second fine, for €430 million, was levied because Google prevented app developers from offering consumers deals outside of its Google Play store without charge. These decisions were announced by the European Commission and could potentially increase tensions with the United States.

The European Commission has fined Google €890 million for violating online competition laws through its search and app store services. The EU's executive arm found Google breached the Digital Markets Act by prioritizing its own services, like shopping and hotel deals, in search results over competitors. Additionally, Google was penalized for preventing app developers from directing consumers to cheaper offers outside its app store. The Commission ordered Google to treat third-party services fairly in search results and allow developers to make external offers. Google has been fined €460 million for the search-related breach and €430 million for the app store violation. Google can appeal the decision.