EU Court Upholds 4.1 Billion Euro Fine Against Google Over Android

The Court of Justice of the European Union has upheld a 4.1 billion euro fine against Google for practices that gave its search and Chrome browser default status on Android phones. The decision closes the final appeal route after a lower court reduced the original 4.34 billion euro penalty in 2022. Google and its parent company Alphabet now have no further legal options within the EU system.

The fine addresses how Google required device makers such as Samsung and Xiaomi to pre-install its apps under Android licensing terms. Regulators said this arrangement limited competition by making it harder for rival search and browser services to reach users.

The case followed a similar EU action against Microsoft over Internet Explorer dominance on Windows. In both instances, regulators sought to give consumers easier access to alternative software. The company has pointed to the availability of alternative apps and search services on Android as evidence of competition.

It has also noted that users can change defaults, though data shows most keep original settings.

The European Commission is now considering how the Digital Markets Act may require Google to give rival AI services greater access to Android and to share search data with competitors. Google is separately expanding support for third-party app stores and alternative payment systems in the Play Store following other legal challenges.