EU fines Google ET under Digital Markets Act

• The European Commission fined Google 890 million euros for breaching the Digital Markets Act.
• The fine is divided into two parts: 430 million euros for restricting app developers' ability to direct users to cheaper offers outside the Play Store, and 460 million euros for self-preferencing in search results.
• Google has been ordered to end both practices within 60 days.

The EU's decision sends a strong signal that large tech companies will be held accountable for their actions under the Digital Markets Act.

The European Commission has imposed a significant penalty on Google, fining the tech giant 890 million euros for breaching the Digital Markets Act. The fine is divided into two parts: 430 million euros for restricting app developers' ability to direct users to cheaper offers outside the Play Store, and 460 million euros for self-preferencing in search results.

The Digital Markets Act aims to promote fair competition in the digital market by preventing large tech companies from abusing their dominant positions. The law prohibits practices such as self-preferencing, where a company gives its own services an unfair advantage over competitors. Google's actions were deemed to be in breach of this provision, leading to the significant fine imposed by the European Commission.

The EU's decision sends a strong signal that large tech companies will be held accountable for their actions under the Digital Markets Act. For businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions, this ruling highlights the importance of compliance with digital market regulations. Lawyers should take note of the potential impact on their clients' digital market strategies and ensure they are meeting the requirements of the Digital Markets Act to avoid similar penalties.

Lawyers should watch for the potential impact on their clients' digital market strategies and compliance with the Digital Markets Act, particularly if they operate in multiple jurisdictions.

Source: Original reporting via Ethiopian Monitor