New Delhi: Google has successfully overturned a €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) antitrust fine levied by the European Union (EU) over alleged anti-competitive behavior related to its advertising services. The ruling by the General Court of the EU marks a partial victory for the tech giant in a high-profile battle with European regulators. The decision comes just days after the company faced a major defeat in a separate antitrust case.
Court Ruling in Google’s Favor
The General Court, based in Luxembourg, sided with Google’s parent company, Alphabet, Inc., rejecting the EU Commission’s claim that the tech giant had unfairly stifled competition in online advertising. The original fine, imposed in 2019, was based on allegations that Google’s AdSense platform prevented competitors from placing ads on third-party websites, effectively monopolizing the space.
However, the court ruled that the EU’s case lacked sufficient evidence to support such a fine. While the EU Commission argued that Google’s dominance as a broker for online ads stifled competition, the General Court found that the regulators did not adequately prove their case. This ruling casts doubt on the validity of the 2019 antitrust fine and offers a much-needed win for Google, which has been grappling with several legal challenges in the European Union.
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EU May Appeal to Higher Court
While the General Court’s decision is a significant win for Google, the case may not be fully resolved just yet. The EU Commission has the option to appeal the ruling to the EU’s highest court, the Court of Justice. If the case is escalated, it could potentially reopen the dispute and lead to further litigation.
Google’s legal victory comes at a crucial time, as the company continues to face intense scrutiny from regulators across the globe. The ruling also offers insight into the broader dynamics between major tech firms and European regulators, with EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager having led several high-profile antitrust cases against Silicon Valley giants in recent years.
