Google was fined $2.8 billion last June for ranking its own shopping lists at the top of search results.
Critics of the Ruling
Al Verney, the spokesperson for Google, said that the company will appeal the decision. He argued that Android (owned by Google) creates competition against Apple smartphones. If consumers don’t want Google apps on their Android phones, they can buy Apple brand products.
Google also pointed out that it makes the majority of its money from Android phones on advertising revenue. When customers use Google Search, the company can display ads paid for by other companies in the search results. The company warned that if it can’t make as much money off of ad hosting, it might not license the Android operating system to phone makers for free. Google also said that it does allow makers to install other options, but most choose not to.
Some commentators question the timing of the EU’s ruling. They see it as backlash against an American company for Trump’s recent tariff increase on European aluminum and steel.
