Brussels readies record DMA fine against Google as structural remedies loom
The EU is finalizing its largest-ever Digital Markets Act penalty over search self-preferencing, with binding data-sharing and Android orders due by late July
Summary
The European Union is finalising its largest-ever Digital Markets Act penalty against Alphabet's Google for ranking its own shopping, flights and hotel services above rivals in Search, with the fine — reported in the high triple-digit-million-euro range — expected before the August recess. Separately, Brussels prepares binding measures requiring Google to share search-interaction data with competing engines on FRAND terms and to give rival AI assistants the same Android access as Gemini, with decisions due around 27 July 2026. Reports indicate the Commission delayed announcement partly to avoid worsening US trade tensions; Washington has threatened tariff retaliation.
Why it matters
A record penalty plus mandated search-data sharing and equal Android access for rival AI assistants would structurally reshape Google's European market control — and is now a transatlantic trade flashpoint, not just competition policy.