In a report based on information from sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg Technology posits that the EU announcement on the results of the investigation into Google’s Android operating system and the fine expected thereof are likely to be announced on or around July 18.
The EU says Google’s contracts with device manufacturers may unfairly force a bundle of Google services — search, maps, web browser and email — to be loaded on phones using the Android operating system. Android runs on 77 percent of the world’s smartphones, according to web traffic analysis firm StatCounter. The EU’s case also targets deals with phone makers and telecoms operators that pay them for placing Google Search on devices.
The decision could come as soon as July 18, judging by the “gaping hole” in the European Commission’s calendar the week after US President Donald Trump visits Brussels, reported Bloomberg.
The size of the fine Is still uncertain, after last year’s record €2.4 billion (US$2.8 billion) fine. However, the most enduring impact could be a requirement that Google renegotiate and replace existing contracts with cellphone manufacturers, opening the way for competing apps to be preinstalled, and thus reducing its hold on mobile ads.
“Consumers are basically barred from competition in the mobile search market,” said Agustin Reyna of the EU consumer organization BEUC in Brussels. “Because companies who try to enter markets where Google is dominant would find it very difficult to compete as they would not be able to match the amount of data Google holds.”
Google is expected to challenge any EU finding against Android at the EU courts. It may ask to suspend an EU order on Android until the appeals process is complete, which could take years, according to one of the people cited by Bloomberg.
Full Content: Bloomberg
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Senators Urged to Expedite Gail Slater’s Confirmation as DOJ Antitrust Chief
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Former Michigan Asphalt Executive Pleads Guilty in Bid-Rigging Scheme
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Ballard Spahr Expands Litigation Team with Addition of Antitrust Attorney in Seattle
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Portuguese Court Overturns €225 Million Fine for Banking Collusion Due to Statute of Limitations
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Binance and SEC Request Stay in Crypto Lawsuit Amid New Regulatory Task Force
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – International Criminal Enforcement
Jan 23, 2025 by
CPI
The Antitrust Division’s Recent Work to Combat International Cartels
Jan 23, 2025 by
Emma Burnham & Benjamin Christenson
Information Sharing: The New Frontier of U.S. Antitrust Enforcement
Jan 23, 2025 by
Brian P. Quinn, Casey Kovarik & Michael Tubach
The Key Role of Guidelines on Exchanges of Information Among Competitors and the Divergent Transatlantic Paths
Jan 23, 2025 by
Rosa Abrantes-Metz & Albert Metz
Leniency, Whistleblowers, and Compliance
Jan 23, 2025 by
Richard Powers, Tara O’Malley & Cory Gordon