Google holds the record for the three largest fines ever issued by the European executive for anti-competitive behaviour, totalling more tha
Google experienced a setback in the European courts on Thursday, as a General Attorney defended the €2.4 billion fine imposed by Brussels for anti-competitive practises in the price-comparison market, in a legal dispute almost 15 years old. The European Commission – which protects competition within the EU – penalised Google in June 2017 for abusing its dominant online search position. The technology giant is accused of favouring its price comparison tool, Google Shopping, by making its competitors practically invisible to consumers using its search engine. It has consequently been forced to alter its search result displays to meet European requirements. General Attorney for the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Juliane Kokott, recommended on Thursday to “confirm the €2.4 billion fine”. These non-binding opinions are usually upheld by judges but it will be several months before the Luxembourg-based court makes its final ruling. The ECJ will provide a conclusive decision on whether the fine will be applied, with the European Union Court having already confirmed the fine at the first instance.
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