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The Court of Justice of the European Union could reject Google’s appeal against a $4.7 billion fine. This judicial setback is not just an antitrust case: it embodies the growing tensions between American tech giants and European digital sovereignty.
In Brief
Google risks definitively losing its appeal against the record fine of 4.1 billion euros imposed by the EU for abuse of dominant position via Android.
The European Advocate General recommends judges to uphold this historic sanction.
The final decision will come in the coming months and could redefine the power dynamics between American tech giants and European regulators.
A legal battle turning against Google
On Thursday, Juliane Kokott dealt a heavy blow to Google’s hopes. This Advocate General of the highest European court recommends that judges uphold the fine of 4.125 billion euros.
A record amount which was initially 4.34 billion before being slightly reduced in 2022.
It all started in 2018. The European Commission then accused Google of abusing its dominant position with Android. The complaint? Forcing smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Google apps. This practice prevented competition from freely expressing itself on the European mobile market.
Of course, the Advocate General’s opinion is not binding on the judges. But it carries a lot of weight. In 80% of cases, the Court of Justice follows these recommendations. Google’s chances of winning are therefore melting away like snow in the sun.
The Mountain View firm was quick to react. It says it is “disappointed” and fears that this decision will slow down technological investments. Google highlights its Android ecosystem that supports “thousands of businesses” in Europe and elsewhere.
A precedent with heavy consequences for the tech industry
This legal battle reveals a deeper conflict. Europe and American tech giants are now openly clashing. Brussels is multiplying new rules: after MiCA for cryptocurrencies, here are now the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act.
The timing of this recommendation is no accident. The EU wants to make an example. The message is clear: even the biggest tech companies will have to comply with European rules. Gone are the times when dubious practices slipped through the cracks.
Financially, Google can take the hit. With over 80 billion dollars in revenue per quarter, the fine remains bearable. But the real consequences lie elsewhere. Google may have to rethink how it works with smartphone manufacturers in Europe.
This development could benefit other players. Phone manufacturers and app creators could finally have more freedom. Fewer Google constraints mean more room for innovation and competition.
The noose is tightening around the American giant. This case marks a historic turning point between European authorities and Big Tech. The final decision, expected soon, could change the digital rules of the game in Europe for a long time.
In short, Google is now under pressure, and its chances of escaping this historic fine are diminishing. Beyond the amount, it is the authority of European regulators that is asserting itself. After Telegram and its troubles with the Digital Services Act, Google in turn discovers that Europe is no longer joking with its rules.
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Passionné par le Bitcoin, j’aime explorer les méandres de la blockchain et des cryptos et je partage mes découvertes avec la communauté. Mon rêve est de vivre dans un monde où la vie privée et la liberté financière sont garanties pour tous, et je crois fermement que Bitcoin est l’outil qui peut rendre cela possible.
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