The European Commission fined Google €890 million on 23 July 2026 for breaches of European Union online competition rules. The penalty was imposed under the European Union’s 2022 Digital Markets Act, which regulates large digital platforms designated as gatekeepers.
Digital Markets Act
The Digital Markets Act, or DMA, is a European Union regulation adopted in 2022 to curb anti-competitive practices by large online platforms. It applies to gatekeepers that provide core platform services such as search engines, app stores, and online advertising systems.
Nature of the Violations
The fine was divided into two parts. Google was fined €460 million for self-preferencing its own services in search results, and €430 million for anti-steering restrictions in Google Play. Self-preferencing refers to the practice of giving a platform’s own products or services better placement than rival offerings. Anti-steering restrictions limit app developers from directing users to cheaper payment or purchase options outside the platform’s own store.
Search and App Store Practices
Brussels regulators found that Google gave its shopping, travel, and translation services prime placement in search results. Google Play is the official app distribution platform for Android devices and is one of the core services covered by EU digital competition rules.
Important Facts for Exams
- The European Commission is the executive arm of the European Union and enforces competition law across the bloc.
- The Digital Markets Act came into force in 2022 and targets gatekeepers in digital markets.
- Google’s Android operating system has previously faced a separate EU antitrust penalty of €4.1 billion.
- EU competition fines can be linked to a company’s worldwide turnover under European law.
Compliance and Penalty Framework
Google has been ordered to comply within 60 days. Further penalties can reach up to 5% of worldwide revenue if the company does not meet the order.
Related EU Competition Cases
The case adds to a long series of European Union antitrust actions against major technology firms. Google’s earlier Android case remains one of the largest competition fines imposed by the European Commission.
