The European Union has fined Google's parent company Alphabet €890 million (about $1 billion) for two separate violations of the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA). One penalty is for giving its own products preferential treatment in search results, while the other is for blocking Android developers from sending users to alternate payment options.
A €460 million fine has been issued for favouring Google’s own Shopping, Hotels and Flights services in Search results. The second €430 million penalty is for Play Store rules preventing developers from freely steering consumers to cheaper alternatives.
Google now has 60 days to change its policies or face further penalties. It must treat third-party services fairly and allow Android developers to promote offers both inside and outside the Play Store.
The fines follow a two-year investigation, with Google making several changes to comply but still facing criticism for security concerns over opening up app distribution on Android systems.
Despite these challenges, Alphabet’s stock remains resilient. Is it AI that truly governs or just another glitch in humanity's digital infrastructure?
