EU Court Confirms €4.1 Billion Fine on Google for Android Practices

Europe's top court ruled on July 2 that Google must pay a €4.1 billion fine for using its Android mobile operating system to block rivals. The decision dismisses the company's appeal against the penalty originally imposed by the European Commission. The Commission had set the fine at €4.3 billion in 2018 before reducing it to €4.1 billion in 2022.

This remains the largest penalty the Commission has imposed on Google. A Google spokesperson said the judgment fails to recognize the firm's significant investment to ensure Android remains open, interoperable and free. The company adapted its agreements to comply with the initial decision in 2018 and remains focused on innovation and openness for users, partners and developers, the spokesperson added.

In 2018 the Commission alleged Google required manufacturers to pre-install its Search app and Chrome browser to access the Play app store. It also accused the company of making payments for exclusive pre-installation of Search and of blocking devices running alternative Android versions. Google's Android does not prevent users from downloading other browsers or search engines.

The Commission has fined Google in other cases, including €2.4 billion in 2024 over its shopping service and €2.95 billion in 2025 over online ads.