Alphabet, Google’s parent company, was fined a huge €890 million (approximately US$1 billion) by the European Union today for violating relevant provisions of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). According to the European Commission's ruling, Google must make adjustments to its operating strategies in search engines and application stores (Play Store) within 60 days, otherwise it will face regular additional fines.
The fine consists of two parts: 460 million euros for Google's self-optimization behavior of prioritizing its own shopping, hotel and air tickets services in search results; and another 430 million euros for its Play Store policy that restricts Android developers from promoting cheaper alternative payment channels to users.
The decision comes after a two-year non-compliance investigation by the European Commission. Previously, the European Commission had expressed dissatisfaction with Google's preliminary rectification plan, believing that it lacked sufficient strength. Although Google has previously tried to make changes in the European region (such as canceling the air ticket search component, increasing the display proportion of third-party comparison websites, etc.), it still failed to avoid the final penalty.
According to the EU's requirements, Google must treat third-party services "fairly and without discrimination" in its search business in the future, and it must allow Android developers to freely promote their preferential solutions within and outside the application.