# EU Hits Google with $1 Billion Antitrust Fine Google fined for limiting competition in Search and Play Store. - **Source:** [Latest from Android Central](https://brifing.si/source/c01c90da-6cf6-4b63-a76b-3d38df0e8324) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/80bd49f2-89cd-4618-aa12-ee84a9385f16 ## Record Fine for Google The European Commission fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) for limiting competition. This is the first fine issued under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Google was penalized for its practices in Search and the Play Store. ## Preferential Search Results Google was fined €460 million for prioritizing its own services in Search results. It was found to reduce the visibility of rival platforms in shopping, hotel, transport, and sports results, leading to criticism for stifling competition. ## Play Store Restrictions Google Play Store was fined €430 million for preventing developers from directing users to cheaper payment options. The DMA requires developers to freely promote such options. Google must remove these restrictions. ## Impact of the Digital Markets Act The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to curb anti-competitive practices by tech giants. Google is the first company fined under this law. The DMA seeks to regulate the market power of 'gatekeeper' companies. ## Google's Response Google announced it will appeal the decision but continues discussions with regulators on compliance measures. The company has 60 days to take corrective action, or additional fines based on global revenue may be imposed. ## A Win for Users This ruling could benefit users by granting developers more freedom and making Search results fairer. However, Google's ongoing battles with regulators delay lasting solutions to these issues. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/eu-hits-google-with-another-usd1b-fine-as-search-and-play-store-face-fresh-antitrust-crackdown — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._