| December 2, 2019 — 11:19 GMT (11:19 GMT)
| Topic: CXO
European Union hits Google with $5 billion fine over Android antitrust practices
Search giant told to change its practices in 90 days.
Google could be facing more fines over European competition law after already being hit with €8bn ($8.8bn) in antitrust penalties in the past two years.
Google’s European competition fines have been stacking up. In the past two years European Commission (EC) competition boss Margrethe Vestager has imposed a €2.42bn ($2.72bn) fine on Google for favoring its own shopping service, a €4.3bn ($4.8bn) fine for Android contracts and a €1.5bn ($1.65bn) fine over its core ad business.
Now Google’s Chrome web browser is in the spotlight, too.
Reuters reported over the weekend that the European Commission competition regulator has asked Google rivals about the data it collects in various areas, including local search services, online advertising, online ad targeting services, login services, and web browsers.
SEE: IT pro’s guide to GDPR compliance (free PDF)
The new questionnaire steps up pressure on Google, which, along with Amazon and Facebook, is facing scrutiny from regulators in the US over its dominance of the web. LIke US investigators, European regulators are focused on big tech in general rather than specifically on Google.
Nonetheless, Europe could become a more complicated market for Google. Google is facing renewed pressure from rivals over its response to Europe’s 2017 anti-competition ruling by favoring Google Shopping over European rivals.
Last week over 40 European competitors signed a letter to EC competition boss Margrethe Vestager requesting her office force Google to comply with the antitrust order.
Vestager’s office is also currently investigating whether Google used its dominance in search to favor its own job-searches business, Google for Jobs.
The EC on Friday confirmed that it is investigating how and why Google is collecting data and the deals it made with partners.
“The Commission has sent out questionnaires as part of a preliminary investigation into Google’s practices relating to Google’s collection and use of data. The preliminary investigation is ongoing,” the regulator said in a statement.
SEE: Go Google free: We pick privacy-friendly alternatives to every Google service
Google says it is working with the EC to address its questions.
“We use data to make our services more useful and to show relevant advertising, and we give people the controls to manage, delete or transfer their data,” a Google spokesperson said.
“We will continue to engage with the Commission and others on this important discussion for our industry.”
More on Google and competition
Google accused: Now over 40 rivals call for crackdown on Google Shopping
Google hit with record $2.7bn EU fine for demoting rival shopping servicesAndroid antitrust: Google hit with giant €4.34 billion fine by EuropeGoogle hit with €1.49 billion antitrust fine by Europe over online advertisingGoogle antitrust: Are over 30 states about to join big probe into how Google behaves?Android shake-up: Google agrees to promote rivals to its Chrome and searchThe difference between Gmail, a Google Account, and G Suite accounts TechRepublicGoogle promises Chrome changes after privacy complaints CNET
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| December 2, 2019 — 11:19 GMT (11:19 GMT)
| Topic: CXO