Google fined €2.95bn by EU for abusing advertising dominance

Google has been fined €2.95 billion by the European Union (EU) for abusing its dominant position in the online advertising market. The EU Commission found that Google had unfairly favored its own shopping comparison service over competitors, resulting in higher costs and reduced revenues for them. The Commission stated that Google's practices were illegal under EU antitrust rules, as they distorted competition and restricted consumer choice. Google was ordered to stop its illegal conduct within 90 days or face further penalties. This ruling is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to ensure fair competition in the digital market. It follows previous actions against Google, including a €4.3 billion fine for abusing its dominance in the smartphone market. Google has indicated that it will appeal the decision, but the fine serves as a significant warning to tech giants about the consequences of anti-competitive behavior. The case highlights the growing scrutiny and regulation of digital platforms, as policymakers seek to address concerns about their market power and impact on consumer welfare.