EU hits Google with US$3.45 billion fine, drawing tariff threat from Trump
This is Google’s fourth penalty in its decade-long fight with EU regulators
The EU on Friday slapped Google with a massive €2.95 billion (US$3.45 billion) antitrust fine for favouring its own advertising services, drawing a furious rebuke from US President Donald Trump and a threat of fresh tariffs against Europe.
Google vowed to appeal the decision by the European Commission, which accused the US firm of distorting competition in the 27-nation bloc.
“Google abused its dominant position in adtech, harming publishers, advertisers, and consumers. This behaviour is illegal under EU antitrust rules,” EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said.
Trump, who has threatened to go after Europe for its rules on the digital market and content policing, lashed out at the decision, which brings Google’s total EU liabilities to nearly €10 billion.
“Very unfair, and the American taxpayer will not stand for it!” Trump said on social media, a day after hosting top tech leaders including Google CEO Sundar Pichai at the White House.
“As I have said before, my Administration will NOT allow these discriminatory actions to stand,” he added, warning that if the fine is confirmed, he will launch proceedings to impose tariffs as retaliation.