Google may face record penalty from EU

Google could be facing a new record penalty from European antitrust regulators for forcing its search and web-browsing tools on the makers of Android-powered devices.

The search engine giant made it a requirement for Android phone and tablet manufacturers to have Google Chrome and Google Search pre-installed if they wanted access to the Play Store – and European regulators aren’t too happy with the idea, says the Washington Post.

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In what could eventually result in major changes to one of the world’s most-used mobile operating systems, the punishment comes from the European Union’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, who says the requirement gives Google an unfair advantage over any competing search tool and browser by ensuring its dominance in maintaining its own ecosystem.

According to people familiar with the matter, the punishment is expected to come in the form of a huge fine, in the region of billions of dollars.

Vestager is expected to deliver the final decision on the total cost of the penalty next week.

 

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