Google faces setbacks in EU fines, serving as a team of court advisors for regulators – National
Google faced a huge setback Thursday in an attempt to overturn a multi-billion-dollar EU antitrust fine involving Android, which involved Android after legal counsel from top courts supported regulators.
Juliane Kokott, an advocate of the European Court of Justice, suggested in a non-binding opinion that Google's appeal for a fine of more than 4 billion euros ($4.7 billion) should be dismissed.
The case dates back to 2018, when the EU's executive committee found on Google that US tech companies competed rhythmically and reduced consumer choices with the advantages of their mobile Android operating systems.
The lower court reduced the fine to 4.12 billion euros in 2022 after Google filed a preliminary appeal, and the company also appealed to the court.
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Cocott recommended that the court confirm the fine and insist on the lower court's judgment, according to the press release.
Google said it was disappointed with the opinion, adding that if the court follows it, it would “block investment in open platforms and investments in Harm Android users, partners and app developers”.
“Android creates more options for everyone and supports thousands of successful businesses across Europe and around the world,” the company said in a statement.
The opinions of defense lawyers are not legally binding, but are often judges.
The court said the judges “are starting their deliberations now.
The fine is one of three antitrust fines that the European Commission has slapped over 8 billion euros on Google over the past decade as 27 international companies crack down on big tech companies.
Google still faces a decision to antitrust cases against its digital advertising business.
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