EU poised to levy record DMA fine on Google over search bias
Germany’s Handelsblatt reports the European Union is nearing a decision on a high triple-digit million euro sanction, expected before the summer break.
The European Union is preparing to impose a record fine on Alphabet’s Google, marking the most significant penalty levied under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to date. According to a report by Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper on Monday, the European Commission is finalising a decision to levy a “high triple-digit million euro” sum against the tech giant. The announcement is expected to be made before the EU’s summer break.
The antitrust investigation, officially launched in March 2025, centres on allegations that Google favours its own services in search results. The probe aims to ensure the world’s most popular internet search engine complies with local regulations designed to curb the market power of big technology firms. While the exact monetary value of the penalty has not been disclosed, the scale of the sanction underscores the severity of the Commission’s concerns regarding the company’s practices.
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier indicated that the regulator’s primary objective remains securing compliance rather than imposing punitive measures. In an emailed statement, Regnier noted that the Commission is engaged in negotiations for future solutions but warned that it would not hesitate to take further steps if necessary. This stance suggests a regulatory approach that prioritises structural changes to Google’s search operations over financial punishment, provided the company aligns with DMA requirements.
Google has responded to the proceedings with criticism of the regulatory impact on its product. A company spokesperson described recent changes made to Search under the DMA as the “biggest downgrade in the product’s history,” arguing that the rules create a second-rate experience for European users. Despite this criticism, the company has stated it is keen to resolve the case and has cooperated with the Commission, which granted Google additional time earlier this month after a previous proposal was deemed insufficient.
The impending decision highlights the ongoing tension between US technology giants and European regulators. As the Commission moves to enforce the DMA, the outcome will set a precedent for how major search engines must adapt their algorithms and service structures to meet fairness standards in the European market. The final ruling is anticipated to clarify the practical implications of the DMA for global tech operations.
