The European Commission has fined Google for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a landmark law designed to curb anti-competitive practices by major technology companies and promote fair competition in digital markets.
The investigation, which began in 2024, concluded that Google breached the DMA. Although the decision had been expected for months, its announcement was delayed amid concerns over its potential impact on relations with the United States.
Under the DMA, companies can face fines of up to 10% of their global annual turnover for non-compliance. However, the penalty imposed on Google amounts to 0.22% of the company’s global turnover.
The Commission has given Google 60 days to comply with the ruling, warning that failure to do so could result in additional periodic financial penalties.
Reacting to the decision, Google’s Head of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, argued that the ruling would force the company to remove popular search features, including real-time pricing and direct availability for hotels, flights and restaurants, as well as weaken security protections on the Google Play Store.
Walker described the decision as unfair, saying it undermines competition rather than promoting it.
