Google must pay €4.1bn after losing Android antitrust appeal

Europe's top court has dismissed Google's challenge against a record €4.1bn (£3.5bn) fine for using its Android operating system to stifle competition. The penalty, first issued by the European Commission in 2018 at €4.3bn (then £3.9bn) and reduced to €4.1bn in 2022, is the largest the Commission has ever imposed on the tech giant. The ruling caps a years-long battle over allegations that Google illegally forced phone makers to pre-install its search app and browser, paid for exclusive deals, and blocked manufacturers from selling devices running alternative versions of Android. Google's spokesperson said the judgment "fails to recognise" the company's "significant investment to ensure Android remains open, interoperable and free," adding that it adapted its agreements in 2018 to comply. Sundar Pichai, Google's chief executive, had earlier argued that the original decision "rejects the business model that supports Android, which has created more choice for everyone, not less." The fine is the latest in a series of antitrust defeats for Google in Europe: in September 2024 it was ordered to pay €2.4bn for abusing dominance in shopping comparison, and in September 2025 a €2.95bn penalty was imposed for favouring its own ad services. The Commission found Google had acted illegally in three ways: requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome as a condition for accessing the Play store; making payments to large manufacturers and networks to exclusively pre-install Google Search; and threatening to withhold app licenses from those who sold devices powered by forked Android versions. The court acknowledged that Google's Android does not prevent users from downloading alternative browsers or search engines. Google's spokesperson said the company remains focused on "continued innovation and openness for our users, partners and developers."