The European Court of Justice has cemented a massive €4.1 billion antitrust penalty against Google. The ruling confirms the company illegally leveraged its Android mobile operating system to thwart competition.
Regulators found Google forced smartphone manufacturers to pre-install its Search and Chrome applications as a condition for licensing the Google Play Store. This bundling strategy effectively blocked rival apps from reaching consumers.
The original 2018 fine of €4.34 billion was marginally reduced by €200 million in 2022. The final ruling enforces a strict interpretation of European competition law, signaling a rigorous regulatory posture that will shape future enforcement under the Digital Markets Act.