Google was accused of steering viewers to its online shopping platform, and has 90 days to make changes
Google was slapped with a $2.7 billion fine on Tuesday after European antitrust officials found the company had been directing users to its online shopping platform services over that of its rivals. This action was ruled as denying “consumers a genuine choice, ” according to multiple news reports. “The penalty, of 2.4 billion euros, highlights the aggressive stance that European officials have taken in regulating many of the world’s largest technology companies, going significantly further than their American counterparts, ” the New York Times. The fine is a record-breaking amount, double the previous highest penalty in a case like this. “In Europe, companies must compete on the merits regardless if they are European or not, ” said Margrethe Vestager, the European Union’s antitrust chief. “What Google has done is illegal under E. U. antitrust rules.” European Union officials have denied claims from those in the United States who say they are specifically targeting Silicon Valley companies. Regulators have said that Google has 90 days to make changes or it will face additional penalties, to CNN. “We respectfully disagree with the conclusions announced today, ” a spokesperson for Google said in a statement. “We will review the Commission’s decision in detail as we consider an appeal, and we look forward to continuing to make our case.”
