Google appeals EU’s record antitrust fine

Google has appealed to the EU’s top court to overturn a record 4.3-billion-euro antitrust fine imposed seven years ago, arguing that the penalty punished the company for its innovation. The fine was originally levied by the European Commission, which accused Google of using its Android operating system to suppress competition by forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google Search, Chrome, and the Google Play store on devices. While the fine was later reduced to 4.1 billion euros by a lower court, Google maintains that its actions fostered competition, not hindered it.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Google lawyer Alfonso Lamadrid stated that the Commission failed to meet its legal obligations and relied on errors in law. Lamadrid defended Google’s agreements with phone manufacturers, insisting they were not anti-competitive, but rather beneficial to the market. The case centres on whether the European Commission acted appropriately in its investigation and decision to reshape markets through such penalties.

The judges of the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union will make a final ruling in the coming months, with no further opportunity for appeal. In addition to this case, Google remains under scrutiny by EU regulators for its advertising business, with another major decision expected later this year.