The European Union has fined Google $1 billion for violating antitrust rules, specifically over its search ranking and anti-steering practices. The European Commission said these actions breached the Digital Markets Act, a law designed to promote fair competition in digital markets. The penalty is one of the largest ever imposed by the EU on a US technology company.
In response, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European goods. He had previously warned that the EU would face consequences if it penalized American tech firms. This threat could escalate trade tensions between the United States and Europe, which have already been strained over various issues.
The case against Google is part of a broader EU crackdown on big tech companies. Google has been accused of abusing its market dominance to favor its own services. The company has not yet confirmed whether it will appeal the decision. The White House has not commented on the specifics of the fine or the tariff threat.
The $1 billion fine marks a significant step in global efforts to regulate large technology firms. The EU's action underscores its commitment to enforcing antitrust laws, even amid potential trade disputes.