EU Hits Google With $1 Billion Fine Over Its Play App Store and Search

BRUSSELS – The European Union on Thursday hit Google with a fine of 890 million euros, equivalent to $1 billion after it said the technology giant broke digital antitrust regulations by setting up Google Play and its Ubiquitous search engine to corral consumers towards its own services and apps to the detriment of competitors.

It was the latest major crackdown on big tech by Brussels, which has led the world in reining in some of the world’s largest companies from Silicon Valley to Beijing.

Google’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, blasted the fine as “product degradation driven by a small group of self-serving complainants” that will have a negative impact on European businesses and consumers.