Jaap Arriens | NurPhoto | Getty Images The European Union’s General Court on Wednesday upheld an antitrust ruling against Google’s parent company, Alphabet, but reduced its fine to 4.125 billion euros ($4.12 billion) from 4.34 billion euros. The dispute between Google and the EU courts is over whether it uses the Android operating system to neutralize competition and was brought against the company in 2015. The court said it “largely affirms the European Commission’s decision that Google imposed unlawful restrictions on Android mobile device manufacturers and mobile phone companies to consolidate its search engine dominance.” In a statement provided to Reuters, Google said: “We are disappointed that the Court did not completely overturn the decision. Android has created more choice for everyone, not less, and supports thousands of successful businesses in Europe and around the world.” The original fine was issued by the European Commission in 2018 and was the largest ever received by Google. It said around 80% of Europeans used Android and that Google gave its apps such as Chrome and Search an unfair advantage by forcing smartphone buyers to pre-install them in a bundle with its Play app store. Google argues that Android phones compete with iOS phones, Apple’s operating system, and that consumers using Android still give consumers a choice of phone manufacturer, carrier, and the opportunity to remove Google apps and install others. In Wednesday’s ruling, the General Court said the new fine was “appropriate due to the importance of the infringement”. He pointed out that Google’s business model “is based first and foremost on growing the number of users of its online search services so that it can sell its online advertising services,” while Apple focuses on selling premium mobile smart devices. Google claims this allows it to keep the majority of its services free. The company can still appeal the decision to the EU’s highest court.
