Google Appeals €4.3 Billion Antitrust Fine in EU Court
Google has appealed a record €4.3 billion antitrust fine imposed by the EU seven years ago, arguing that it penalized the company for its innovation.
In a hearing before the Court of Justice of the European Union, Google's lawyer argued that the EU Commission had failed to prove that Google's use of its Android mobile operating system stifled competition. The lower court had reduced the fine to €4.1 billion.
Google defended its agreements with phone manufacturers, which mandated the pre-installation of Google Search, Chrome browser, and Google Play app store on Android devices. The EU had argued that these requirements hindered competition.
Google's lawyer asserted that "these agreements and conditions did not restrict competition, they fostered it."
The court's ruling is expected in the coming months and will be final. Google is also facing scrutiny from the EU over its ad tech business.