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Brussels and Google Keep Talking
The European Commission says it is still in dialogue with Google over fixes to the July ruling under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). According to a Reuters report, the Commission is now assessing Google’s DMA compliance.
Google has begun to change how its search results appear. It has also announced, and partly applied, changes to Google Play Store fees. The Commission has not yet decided whether those steps are enough.
The 890 Million Euro Penalty
In July, the Commission found that Google had breached the DMA. It issued two fines: 460 million euros and 430 million euros.
Search Self-Preferencing
The 460 million euro fine targeted Google Search. The Commission said Google ranked its own shopping, hotel, transport, and sports services ahead of rivals.
Google Play Steering Limits
The 430 million euro fine focused on Google Play. Google barred developers from telling users about cheaper offers outside the app store, and from guiding them there.
What the Ruling Demands
The decision requires Google to rank search results fairly and without discrimination. It must also let developers promote offers outside the store and close deals with users freely.
Google had 60 days to end the violations. If it fails to comply, the Commission can impose periodic daily penalty payments under the DMA.
Google Adjusts, but the Review Continues
The Commission is now weighing Google’s changes. It is also talking with market players to gather feedback. A spokesperson stressed that, at this stage, it will not prejudge the outcome.
A Dispute Over Features
When the fines landed, Google’s president of global affairs warned of a trade-off. Obeying the EU, he said, could force Google to remove live features such as hotel and flight prices from search.
The Commission sees it differently. In its view, Google must prove that its changes rank results fairly. Even the user experience of a feature cannot override the principle of fairness.
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