Google fined $3.5 billion by EU for ad tech abuse

The European Commission has fined Google €2.95 billion (~$3.5 billion) for "abusing its dominant position" in the advertising technology sector. The Commission claims that Google's alleged anti-competitive practices have increased costs for advertisers and publishers, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers. The Commission has ordered Google to submit a plan within 60 days to stop its anti-competitive practices. If Google fails to propose a viable plan, the Commission may impose an appropriate remedy, which could involve forcing Google to sell off parts of its ad tech business. The investigation into Google's advertising technology business was opened in June 2021, and the possibility of divestiture was raised in 2023. The US Department of Justice has also asked a federal judge to break up Google's ad tech business, determining that it violates antitrust laws. Google has called the decision "wrong" and said that the company plans to appeal, as the fine and required changes will "hurt thousands of European businesses by making it harder for them to make money."