FRANKFURT: The European Union is expected to impose a record-breaking antitrust fine on Google over alleged search bias, according to German newspaper Handelsblatt.
Biggest Fine Under DMA
The report, citing European Commission sources, said the penalty would amount to a high triple-digit million euro figure and would mark the biggest fine ever issued under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The investigation, launched in March 2025, focuses on concerns that Google may be favouring its own services in search results, potentially undermining fair competition in the digital market.
The decision is reportedly in its final stages and could be announced before the EU’s summer recess.
Commission Prioritises Compliance
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the regulator’s priority remains securing long-term compliance from Google rather than focusing solely on penalties. “Even with our negotiations on future solutions, we will not hesitate to move to the next steps as soon as possible,” he said.
Google Yet to Comment
Google has not yet commented on the report, while earlier this month the Commission indicated it had given the company additional time to address its concerns after previous proposals fell short.
Background
The Digital Markets Act, which came into full effect in 2024, is designed to curb the market power of large tech platforms, known as “gatekeepers,” and ensure fair competition in the digital sector. Google has been designated as a gatekeeper under the DMA, subjecting it to stricter rules on how it operates its search engine, app store, and other services.
If confirmed, the fine would add to Google’s long history of antitrust penalties in Europe. The company has previously been fined over €8 billion by the EU for various competition violations, including practices related to Android mobile operating system and shopping search services. However, the upcoming fine would be the first under the new DMA framework, setting a significant precedent for how the EU enforces its digital competition rules against major tech platforms. The Commission has not officially confirmed the Handelsblatt report.
