Google appeals huge Android antitrust fine to EU's top court


Google is challenging a record European Union antitrust fine, imposed for the Android operating system’s role restricting mobile competition and consumer choice, to the bloc’s top court. — AP Photo/Michel Euler

LONDON: Google is challenging a record European Union antitrust fine that took aim at the Android operating system's role in restricting mobile competition and consumer choice.

The company said Thursday that it filed the appeal against the 4.125bil euro (RM19.12bil) penalty "because there are areas that require legal clarification from the European Court of Justice,” the EU’s top court.

Google previously appealed to a lower tribunal, which had slightly lowered the original 4.34bil-euro (RM20.12bil) penalty in a decision largely siding with the European Commission. It's the largest-ever antitrust fine issued by the commission, the 27-nation bloc's top competition watchdog.

In its 2018 decision, the commission found that the dominance of Google’s Android resulted in less competition and consumer choice. The U.S. tech giant had argued that free and open-source Android resulted in cheaper phones and spurred competition with its chief rival, Apple. Android is the most popular mobile operating system, beating Apple’s iOS.

"Android has created more choice for everyone, not less, and supports thousands of successful businesses in Europe and around the world,” Google said Thursday.

The fine was one of three blockbuster antitrust penalties that the commission hit Google with between 2017 and 2019, highlighting the bloc's early role in cracking down on tech giants.

Google also is appealing its first EU antitrust penalty, a 2.4bil-euro (RM11.12bil) fine for unfairly favoring its Google Shopping comparison service, to the Court of Justice, which can only rule on points of law.

It's appealing the third penalty, a 1.49bil-euro (RM6.9bil) fine for abusing its dominance in online search ads, to the EU court's lower tribunal. – AP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

US regulator looks to put Google under federal supervision, Washington Post says
Fibre optic cables should be considered 'critical infrastructure' in Africa, Google says
EU fines Meta 797 million euros over abusive practices benefiting Facebook Marketplace
ASML CEO says AI boom benefits the company
Spain's La Vanguardia joins the Guardian in leaving X, citing 'toxic content'
Analysis-Crypto industry pushes for policy sea change after Trump victory
EU says Booking must comply with Digital Markets Act
Samsung Electronics says it reaches preliminary wage deal with union
Trump’s victory could ease regulatory path for Musk’s robotaxi, but hurdles remain
Siemens to cut up to 5,000 jobs in automation business after downturn

Others Also Read