Google Wins Legal Battle Against $1.7 Billion EU Fine Following Antitrust Ruling

Google's Successful Defense Against EU Fine

Google's recent legal victory against a €1.49 billion ($1.66 billion) antitrust fine from the European Union marks a notable moment in the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech. The EU's General Court largely upheld the commission's findings but decided to annul the fine, questioning whether the Commission adequately demonstrated that Google's practices harmed competition and consumers.

Background of the Case

This case stems from a 2019 decision by the European Commission, claiming that Google, owned by Alphabet (GOOGL), abused its market dominance in online search advertising. The extent of the supposed infractions spanned from 2006 to 2016, pertaining specifically to the AdSense platform.

The Court's Findings

• The judges noted: The Commission failed to take into account relevant circumstances.
• The ruling emphasizes: Lack of evidence that Google's clauses deterred innovation.
• The judges' decision underlines that Google's practices may not have harmed competition significantly.

Responses from Major Players

After the ruling, Google expressed its satisfaction, highlighting its proactive measures taken to amend contractual practices back in 2016. Meanwhile, the EU Commission is considering its options for appeal.

Qualcomm's Antitrust Challenges

In contrast, Qualcomm faced disappointment in its separate case, managing only to reduce its fine to €238.7 million, reflecting ongoing challenges for tech companies under EU regulations.