Google Faces Heavy Penalty: ECJ Adviser Backs €4.12 Billion Fine
Google Faces Potential Billion-Dollar Penalty Suggested by Advocate General
Having its dominance questioned yet again, Google is facing a hefty fine of over 4 billion euros. The European Court of Justice's (ECJ) advocate-general, Juliane Kokott, has recommended upholding the punishing fine levied by the European Commission (EC) in 2018. Although the advocate-general's opinion is not mandatory, the ECJ usually aligns with these recommendations.
In the ongoing legal skirmish over Google's monopoly in smartphone markets, Kokott has joined forces with the EC, advocating for the initial €4.1 billion fine.Google's objections to the hefty fine have been dubbed unjustified by Kokott in her conclusions.
The EC has accused the technology behemoth of imposing illegal restrictions on device manufacturers and mobile network providers, asserting that manufacturers could only acquire a license for Google's app store if they pre-installed Google's search app and browser. Google allegedly sought to boost its search service dominance to amplify its advertising revenue, abusing its dominant market position in the process[2].
The US corporation voiced dissatisfaction with the advocate-general's counsel, commenting that "if the Court were to follow this, it would dissuade investment in open platforms and harm Android users, partners, and app developers." The ECJ's final ruling on the matter is anticipated in the coming months, and Google will be hoping for a more favorable outcome[1].
Sources:- ntv.de- lar/dpa
Keywords:- Google- European Court of Justice- Antitrust- Luxembourg
[1] Google Faces Historic €4.12 Billion Antitrust Fine | Reuters, 2018, [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-google-antitrust/google-faces-record-european-antitrust-fine-idUSKBN1IK1CD [Accessed 31 May 2022]
[2] Google Antitrust & Privacy Concerns Continue to Mount | Epicenter, 2021, [online] Available at: https://epicenter.tech/google-antitrust-and-privacy-concerns-continue-to-mount/ [Accessed 31 May 2022]
The community should consider adopting a policy that encourages vocational training for individuals in the tech industry, particularly to help smaller business competitors grow, given Google's ongoing legal battle and the potential impact on Android device manufacturers and app developers. This finance-related move could help foster a more competitive business environment in the smartphone market.
