Google faced a significant setback as an adviser to Europe’s top court recommended upholding the reduced €4.12 billion antitrust fine imposed on its Android business by the European Commission. Advocate‑General Juliane Kokott advised that Google’s appeal should be dismissed, supporting regulators’ view that the company had abused its dominant market position by mandating pre‑installation of Google Search and Chrome, along with restrictions on rival services
Originally issued in 2018 (€4.34B), the fine was trimmed to €4.12B by a lower tribunal in 2022. Despite Google’s pushback, Kokott deemed its legal arguments “ineffective” and noted the company leveraged network effects to suppress competition
The recommendation, although non-binding, carries significant influence—historical data shows courts align with such opinons in most cases. The EU’s upcoming ECJ ruling could reinforce the €8+ billion in fines levied against Google since 2017
Google responded with disappointment, warning that an unfavorable verdict might discourage innovation and investment in Android platform openness. A final decision is expected in the coming months.
