The search giant is contending it has not abused its dominant market position to coerce smartphone manufacturers into installing Google Search and Chrome.
Google on Monday commenced its appeal against the €4.34 billion fine it received from the European Commission for allegedly forcing Android device makers and network operators to preinstall Google Search and Chrome to cement its dominant position in general internet search. Three years on, the €4.34 billion fine continues to be the European Commission’s largest ever antitrust fine. When the fine was first handed down, European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager found Google imposed three types of restrictions onto Android device manufacturers and network operators to ensure traffic on Android devices went to Google’s search engine.
