The European Union (EU) on Tuesday imposed two major fines totaling €890 million (approximately $1 billion) on technology giant Google. The move by Brussels risks further escalating already strained relations with Washington.
According to a statement from the European Commission, the first fine, amounting to €460 million, was imposed because Google unlawfully gave preferential treatment to its own services, such as Google Flights and Google Hotels, over those of competitors in its search results, thereby distorting competition.
The second fine, totaling €430 million, was imposed because Google prevented app developers from freely informing consumers about promotions and offers available outside the Google Play Store.