Google Loses Its Appeal & Must Pay €4.1Billion EU Penalty

An EU court has imposed a record fine against Google for using the Android platform to cement its search engine's dominance.

The EU has upheld a 2018 antitrust charge against Google, confirming that the company imposed “unlawful restrictions” on Android phone manufacturers in order to promote its search engine on mobile devices. Consequently, Google has lost its appeal against a record €4.34bn EU competition fine for using the dominance of its Android mobile phone operating system to thwart competition.

The court said it “largely confirms the European Commission’s decision that Google imposed unlawful restrictions on manufacturers of Android mobile devices and mobile network operators to consolidate the dominant position of its search engine.”

The €4.125bn (£3.5bn) penalty is the largest anti-trust fine ever handed down by the European Commission.

It said Google had breached its laws by forcing Android phone-makers to carry its search and web browser apps in order to access the Google Play Store in 2018. Google has since changed its terms and the firm said it was disappointed by the verdict. "Android has created more choice for everyone, not less, and supports thousands of successful businesses in Europe and around the world," Google said in a statement.

The earlier fine by the European Commission in 2018 and was massive fine and biggest for Google. It said that around 80% of Europeans used Android and that Google gave an unfair advantage to its apps, such as Chrome and Search, by forcing smartphone makers to pre-install them in a bundle with its app store, Play.

Google says that Android phones are in competition with Apple phones, which use its iOS operating system, and that using Android still allows consumers a choice of phone maker, mobile network operator, and the opportunity to remove Google apps and install others.

Google acquired the mobile phone operating system developer, which today powers roughly 70% of the world's mobile phones, in 2005 for $50m (£43m). The European General Court partially reduced the EU fine in its final ruling on Google's appeal. It said this was to reflect "the gravity and the duration" of the infringement.

The court's ruling reinforces  up the European Commission's efforts to clamp down on Big Tech, after anti-trust fines against Intel and Qualcomm were quashed by the European General Court earlier this year.

Reuters:     Bloomberg:    BEUC:      BBC:     

You Might Also Read: 

US Legislators Take Aim At Big Tech Companies:

 

 

« Hackers Have Exploited The Queen’s Death
The Intercontinental Hotels Group was ‘Hacked for Fun!’ »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law advise global businesses that buy and sell technology products and services. We are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout enables cyber security professionals to reduce cyber risk to their organization with proactive security solutions, providing immediate improvement in security posture and ROI.

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

Watch this webinar to hear security experts from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and SANS break down the myths and realities of what an NGFW is, how to use one, and what it can do for your security posture.

FT Cyber Resilience Summit: Europe

FT Cyber Resilience Summit: Europe

27 November 2024 | In-Person & Digital | 22 Bishopsgate, London. Business leaders, Innovators & Experts address evolving cybersecurity risks.

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

Versasec

Versasec

Versasec is a leader in identity and access management, providing customers with security solutions for managing digital identities.

Beyond Security

Beyond Security

Beyond Security is a leader in automated vulnerability assessment and compliance solutions - enabling customers to accurately assess and manage security weaknesses in their networks and applications.

Sepior

Sepior

Our vision is to make Sepior the leading provider of cloud-encryption software in the world.

NRI Secure Technologies

NRI Secure Technologies

NRI SecureTechnologies is a Cybersecurity group company of the Nomura Research Institute (NRI) and a global provider of next-generation Managed Security Services and Security Consulting.

Marvell Technology Group

Marvell Technology Group

Marvell is a semiconductor company providing solutions for storage, processing, networking, security and connectivity.

Data Terminator

Data Terminator

Data Terminator provide a comprehensive range of secure data destruction equipment and services are in compliance to US Department of Defense (DoD) and National Security Agency (NSA) standards.

Mosaic 451

Mosaic 451

Mosaic451 is a bespoke IT managed services provider and consultancy specializing in information security, operations and design.

SparkLabs Cyber + Blockchain

SparkLabs Cyber + Blockchain

SparkLabs Cyber + Blockchain accelerator is located in Washington D.C. which is one of the world's top cybersecurity ecosystems.

Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN Austria)

Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN Austria)

GIN Austria is the connecting link between Austrian and international startups, investors, incubators and accelerators with a focus on selected hotspots in Asia.

Zeusmark

Zeusmark

Zeusmark are a digital brand security company. We enable companies to successfully defend their brands, revenue and consumers online.

ProWriters

ProWriters

As a leading cyber insurance company, ProWriters offers flexible Cyber Liability Insurance coverage designed to cover privacy, data, and network exposures.

Sovrin Foundation

Sovrin Foundation

The Sovrin Foundation is a private-sector, international non-profit that was established to govern the world's first self-sovereign identity (SSI) network.

Chainlink

Chainlink

Chainlink expands the capability of smart contracts by enabling access to real-world data and systems without sacrificing the security and reliability guarantees inherent to blockchain technology.

Detego Global

Detego Global

Detego Global are the creators of the Detego® Unified Digital Forensics Platform, a suite of modular tools used globally by military, law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and enterprises.

Triangle

Triangle

Triangle enable innovative business transformation by ensuring critical hybrid infrastructures are optimised, interoperable and secure.

aFFirmFirst

aFFirmFirst

aFFirmFirst is a unique software solution offering a simple yet effective way for businesses to protect and control their online images and logo, as well as allowing one-click website verification.