Alphabet’s Google has lost its appeal against a $2.7 billion fine imposed by EU antitrust regulators seven years ago.
The fine was levied for using its price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals.
The European Commission’s decision was endorsed by a lower tribunal in 2021, prompting Google to appeal to the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union.
However, CJEU judges upheld the fine, said that EU law prohibits the abusive exploitation of a dominant position.
“In particular, the conduct of undertakings in a dominant position that has the effect of hindering competition on the merits and is thus likely to cause harm to individual undertakings and consumers is prohibited,” the judges said.
This marks the latest setback for Google, which has racked up $8.25 billion in EU antitrust fines in the last decade.
The company is still challenging two rulings involving its Android mobile operating system and AdSense advertising service, and is awaiting judgments.
Additionally, Google is fighting EU antitrust charges issued last year that could force it to sell part of its lucrative adtech business.
Regulators accused the company of favoring its own advertising services, and a ruling is pending.
Google’s ongoing legal battles with the EU highlight the regulator’s efforts to curb the company’s dominance in the digital market and promote fair competition.
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