Google Fined Under the Digital Markets Act : How the EU Decision Affects Your Online Searches
The European Commission has adopted two landmark decisions concluding that Google breached the Digital Markets Act (DMA), imposing a total fine of €890 million. The sanctions concern two separate practices: the preferential treatment of Google’s own services in Google Search and restrictions preventing app developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options outside Google Play.
Google received a €460 million fine for its search-related practices and an additional €430 million for restrictions linked to Google Play.
Preferential treatment in Google Search
Under the Digital Markets Act, designated gatekeepers must ensure that their own products and services are not ranked more favourably than those offered by competing businesses. Search results must be presented using transparent, fair and non-discriminatory criteria.
Following its investigation, the Commission concluded that Google systematically gives greater visibility to its own services—including shopping, hotel, transport and sports results—while comparable third-party services receive less prominent placement.
According to the Commission, Google’s own services frequently appear at the top of search results and benefit from enhanced visual formats and dedicated features that are not equally available to competing providers.
Restrictions affecting app developers
The second decision focuses on Google’s practices within Google Play.
The DMA requires platform operators to allow app developers to inform users about alternative purchasing options, including offers available through websites or competing app stores, without unnecessary restrictions or additional charges.
The Commission found that Google continued to limit developers’ ability to freely communicate these alternative offers and to conclude contracts with users outside the Google Play ecosystem.
While Google is entitled to charge a commission for acquiring new customers through Google Play, the Commission determined that both the level of these steering-related fees and the period during which they were applied exceeded what is permitted under the DMA.
Measures Google must now implement
Alongside the financial penalties, the Commission has ordered Google to bring the identified infringements to an end.
Among other measures, Google will be required to:
- ensure equal and non-discriminatory treatment of third-party services in Google Search;
- allow app developers using Google Play to freely communicate, promote alternative offers and conclude transactions with users both inside and outside the Google Play Store.
Compliance efforts under review
The Commission acknowledged that Google has already begun testing a number of changes designed to improve compliance with the DMA.
These include adjustments to the presentation of Google’s own services in Search—such as shopping, hotel and flight results—as well as modifications to shopping advertisements and other content-related services. The Commission will continue assessing whether these measures fully satisfy the requirements of the DMA.
Google has also submitted proposals regarding the application of these principles to newer AI-powered features, including AI Overviews and AI Mode, with discussions expected to continue.
In addition, the Commission noted that Google has introduced changes to its steering rules within Google Play, describing them as a positive step while confirming that their effectiveness will be evaluated against today’s enforcement decisions.
What happens next?
Google has 60 days to comply with the Commission’s decisions. Failure to do so could result in periodic penalty payments of up to 5% of the company’s average daily worldwide turnover.
The European Commission has confirmed that it will continue working closely with Google to monitor implementation of the required measures and ensure full compliance with the Digital Markets Act.
Signed: InfoCons Communication Department