The European Commission’s antitrust decision against Google’s shopping comparison service stands firm. In a significant legal defeat, Google’s attempt to overturn the €2.4 billion penalty has been rejected.
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) found Google’s practice of favoring its own shopping services in search results to be anti-competitive. This verdict reinforces the Commission’s commitment to maintaining fair competition in digital markets.
CJEU Upholds European Commission’s Decision
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered a decisive blow to Google by upholding the European Commission’s 2017 antitrust ruling. The Commission determined that Google’s shopping comparison service violated competition laws, leading to a record-breaking €2.42 billion fine.
Google’s Appeals Rejected
The court emphasized that self-preferencing its shopping service harmed rivals, undermining competition. Google’s argument that its conduct did not affect the general search market was also dismissed.
Details of the Anti-Competitive Behavior
Competitors were adversely affected, with their visibility in search results significantly reduced, leading to a potential loss of revenue and market share.
Statements from Google and Other Parties
He stated, “This judgment relates to a very specific set of facts. We made changes back in 2017 to comply with the European Commission’s decision.”
Implications of the Ruling
The European Commission’s stringent stance on antitrust issues aims to prevent abuse of market power and ensure fair opportunities for all market participants.
Parallel Case: Apple’s €15B Tax Appeal
The General Court had previously annulled this decision, but the CJEU has now overturned that ruling, mandating that Ireland recover the unlawful aid granted to Apple.
Apple’s Response to the Ruling
The company maintains that it has complied with international tax laws and expressed disappointment with the CJEU’s ruling.
Conclusion of Apple’s Legal Journey?
The European Commission’s persistence indicates a robust approach towards enforcing tax and competition laws, ensuring major corporations do not exploit legal loopholes.
The CJEU’s decisions in the cases of Google and Apple underscore a broader regulatory trend towards stringent enforcement of competition and tax laws.
These outcomes reflect the European Commission’s dedication to fostering a fair and competitive market environment, holding even the largest tech giants accountable. As Google faces the repercussions of its anti-competitive behavior and Apple contends with tax obligations, the message is clear: compliance with EU regulations is paramount.
Source: Techcrunch