Google could be hit with another EU fine for Android ‘dominance’

Reuters has reported that tech giant Google could be hit with a second record fine by an EU panel after last year’s €2.4bn fee for stifling competition by only ensuring phone vendors running Android preinstall Google search and Chrome only. The fine could be announced by the end of the year if the panel comes to the same conclusion, and charge a way higher fee.

In April 2016 Google was accused of “stifling competition and innovation” by EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, because the search giant used Android to impose unfair restrictions on device manufacturers and operators. – Reuters.

The long-running case began after complaints from lobby group FairSearch, privacy company Disconnect, Portuguese apps store Aptoide and Russia’s Yandex.

According to FairSearch lawyer Thomas Vinje:

“A decision would come none too soon. Google is hurting Android users, including by surreptitiously commandeering ever-increasing amounts of personal data.”

In last year’s case, EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager had said:

“It is not our job to defend companies, our job is to make sure there is competition. If a company grows to be dominant, that is fine. It might even be a motivation for them. But if dominance is abused then we have an issue. That is the task for the EU, no matter what flag or nationality of company,” she stated.