Android’s dominant position
The case centres on Android, the operating system that runs on around 70 per cent of smartphones. According to the European Union, Google used that dominant position for years to force manufacturers to install various Google services on their devices as standard. These included Google Play, Google Chrome and the Google search engine.
The European Commission imposed the fine back in 2018. Google appealed against it, arguing that Android actually ensures greater choice, innovation and lower prices for consumers. According to the company, Android is an open and free platform that fosters a healthy ecosystem. However, the European Court of Justice has now rejected those arguments. As a result, the previously adjusted fine of 4.1 billion euros remains in force.
Google has said it is disappointed with the ruling. According to the company, insufficient account has been taken of the investments made to keep Android open, interoperable and free.
The Android case is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Google has frequently faced European investigations and heavy fines. For example, the company was previously penalised for the way it favoured its own price comparison service, Google Shopping. Investigations are also ongoing into the online advertising market and the way in which AI-generated summaries in Google Search may influence websites and publishers.
Furthermore, following European rulings, companies can also file their own claims for damages. For example, it was recently announced that Klarna is seeking compensation of 2 billion euros. The Swedish company claims that its price comparison service has been disadvantaged for years by the way Google presented its own services.
The ruling brings to an end legal proceedings that have been ongoing since 2018. For Google, this represents yet another significant financial setback, whilst European regulators continue their investigations into the practices of major tech companies unabated.
Via Volkskrant
