Europe Hits Google With a $5 Billion Fine Over Android Antitrust Violations

The European Union has slapped Google with a record-breaking $5 billion fine, ruling that the company illegally abused its dominance in the smartphone market. 

According to EU regulators, Google forced Android phone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome, limiting competition.

The ruling requires Google to change how it distributes Android in Europe, allowing manufacturers to offer alternative search engines and browsers. 

Google has vowed to appeal, arguing that its practices benefit consumers by keeping Android free and open-source.

This case is part of the EU’s larger crackdown on big tech, with Amazon, Apple, and Facebook also facing regulatory scrutiny for monopolistic behavior.