(20 March 2019) – The European Commission has fined Google €1.49 billion for abusive practices in online advertising.
Google has abused its market dominance by imposing a number of restrictive clauses in contracts with third-party websites which prevented Google’s rivals from placing their search adverts on these websites. The Commission’s fine of €1 494 459 000 (1.29% of Google’s turnover in 2018) takes account of the duration and gravity of the infringement.
The fine has been calculated on the basis of the value of Google’s revenue from online search advertising intermediation in the EEA.
Google is also liable to face civil actions for damages that can be brought before the courts of the Member States by any person or business affected by its anti-competitive behaviour.
The new EU Antitrust Damages Directive makes it easier for victims of anti-competitive practices to obtain damages.