*EU Hits Google With $5 Billion Fine For Pushing Apps On Android Users*

[appalachiablue]

-'EU Hits Google With $5 Billion Fine For Pushing Apps On Android Users,'- NPR Business, July 18, 2018

The European Commission has fined Google $5 billion for violating the European Union's antitrust rules — specifically, by forcing manufacturers of Android phones to install the Google search app and the Chrome Web browser.

"Google has used Android as a vehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine," Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. "These practices have denied rivals the chance to innovate and compete on the merits."

The tech giant plans to appeal the decision, a Google spokesperson tells NPR. "Android has created more choice for everyone, not less," the company says. "A vibrant ecosystem, rapid innovation and lower prices are classic hallmarks of robust competition."

Last year, the European Commission fined Google $2.72 billion for antitrust violations. That time, it found Google was using its search service to improperly promote its shopping service.

The new fine — 4.34 billion euros, or just over $5 billion — sets a world record for such antitrust penalties, Bloomberg reports. And if Google doesn't change its business practices, the cost could grow even higher, with penalty payments added after 90 days...

More, https://www.npr.org/2018/07/18/630030673/eu-hits-google-with-5-billion-fine-for-pushing-apps-on-android-users



- European Union Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager held a joint news conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday after slapping a record $5 billion antitrust penalty on the U.S. tech giant.

[MattP]

1. So does Apple use it's products to push it's appstore on its users

You have to buy from the appstore on Apple right?

[appalachiablue]

2. That I don't know, I'm not familiar with their products.