The European Commission has fined Google €890 million (about $1.02 billion) for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the EU law designed to rein in Big Tech’s market power. It’s the first sanction of its kind against the company since the law took effect, and the largest fine ever issued under the DMA.
Two Practices Sanctioned: Search and the Play Store
The Commission detailed two separate infringements. The first, fined €460 million, concerns Google’s self-preferencing in search results — favoring its own services over competitors’. The second, fined €430 million, targets restrictions imposed on app developers on the Play Store, which allegedly prevented them from easily directing users to cheaper purchase options outside Google’s ecosystem.
Brussels has given Google 60 days to end these practices. After that deadline, the company risks periodic penalty payments of up to 5% of its daily worldwide turnover — significant financial pressure meant to speed up compliance.
Google Says Talks Are « Constructive »
Google said it is in « constructive » discussions with the Commission to avoid further penalties, without publicly disputing the substance of the decision at this stage. The company could still appeal, as it has done with previous EU fines.
Why It Matters
For European users, this decision could eventually lead to a redesign of Google Search results, potentially giving more visibility to price comparison sites and competitors. For Android app developers, the issue centers on being able to more freely offer alternative payment methods, often cheaper than those imposed by the Play Store.
More broadly, this fine confirms that the DMA is starting to produce real, concrete effects after months of investigations. Further decisions concerning Apple, Meta, or Amazon could follow in the coming months, as the Commission has made this law one of the pillars of its digital policy.
This sanction comes amid growing tensions between Brussels and Silicon Valley over digital regulation. It remains to be seen whether Google will move quickly to comply or challenge the decision before EU courts.
Do you think this fine is a strong deterrent, or too small for a company the size of Google? Share your view in the comments and follow Wanda-techs for the latest tech regulation news.
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