EU fines Google $5 billion, Give them 90 Days to Stop ‘Illegal Practices’

Google has been slapped with a record 4.3 billion-euro ($5 billion) antitrust fine from the European Union for abusing the dominance of its Android mobile operating system and was ordered to change the way it puts search and web-browser apps onto Android mobile devices.

The European Union commission announced the record fine on Wednesday after an investigation found the tech company (Google) had required smartphone operators to pre-install Google’s search and browser apps or lose access to its online store and streaming service.

Google was given an ultimatum of 90 days to stop the “illegal practices” on contracts with phone manufacturers or face daily fines of 5 percent of revenue for failure to comply.

Google announced that it would appeal against the EU fine.

In a statement, Google said: “Android has created more choice for everyone, not less. A vibrant ecosystem, rapid innovation and lower prices are classic hallmarks of robust competition. We will appeal the Commission’s decision.”

In a statement posted online, Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said the EU decision “rejects the business model that supports Android, which has created more choice for everyone, not less.” Users can easily disable or delete apps that are loaded on their phone and Google only earns revenue “if our apps are installed and if people choose to use our apps instead of the rival apps,” he said.

Meanwhile, U.S. President, Donald Trump has attacked the European Union’s decision to fine Google $5.1bn (£3.8bn) for “serious illegal behaviour”. See his tweet below;

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1019932691339399168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1019932691339399168&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ftechnology%2F2018%2Fjul%2F19%2Fdonald-trump-eu-google-fine