Google loses challenge against EU antitrust decision, other probes loom

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https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-courts-wed-ruling-record-44-bln-google-fine-may-set-precedent-2022-09-14/

LUXEMBOURG, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Google suffered one of its biggest setbacks on Wednesday when a top European court fined it 4.125 billion euros ($4.13 billion) for using its Android mobile operating system to thwart rivals, offering a precedent for other regulators to ratchet up pressure.

It is a record fine for an antitrust violation. The EU antitrust enforcer has imposed a total of 8.25 billion euros in antitrust fines on the world's most popular internet search engine in three investigations stretching back more than a decade.

"The General Court largely confirms the Commission's decision that Google imposed unlawful restrictions on manufacturers of Android mobile devices and mobile network operators in order to consolidate the dominant position of its search engine," the court said.

The ruling is a boost for EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager following setbacks in cases involving other tech giants such as Intel (INTC.O) and Qualcomm (QCOM.O) this year.

Google loses challenge against EU antitrust decision, other probes loom

Google suffered one of its biggest setbacks on Wednesday when a top European court fined it 4.125 billion euros ($4.13 billion) for using its Android mobile operating system to thwart rivals, offering a precedent for other regulators to ratchet up pressure.

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Google suffered a significant loss Wednesday when a European court denied its appeal of an antitrust decision and issued a fine of 4.1 billion euro ($4.13 billion), a record penalty.

Driving the news: Google had challenged an earlier EU ruling that said it used its Android mobile operating system to stymie rivals, but Europe's second-highest court upheld it.

Why it matters: The hefty fine and ruling is a win for top EU antitrust official Margrethe Vestager, who has aggressively prosecuted Big Tech companies, and could set a precedent
for future European antitrust rulings covering tech giants.

What they're saying: "The General Court largely confirms the Commission's decision that Google imposed unlawful restrictions on manufacturers of Android mobile devices
and mobile network operators in order to consolidate the dominant position of its search engine," the court said.

Google loses EU appeal and is fined a record $4 billion

Google suffered a significant loss when a European court denied its appeal of an antitrust decision.

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