EU antitrust regulators fine Google record US$5 billion

The European Commission has fined Google a staggering five billion U.S. dollars for anti-trust violations - the biggest fine given by European anti-trust regulators against a single firm.
Ro Aram tells us why.
The European Commission said Wednesday that Google had illegally abused the dominance of its mobile operating system, Android, by forcing phone manufacturers to exclusively pre-install its services, such as Google Search and Google Maps.
Phone makers that refused were reportedly blocked access to Google's Play app store.
The EC gave Google's parent company, Alphabet, 90 days to stop such practices or face further penalties.

"We will monitor this very closely. If Google fails to comply with our decision, it would be subject to penalty payments. The penalty would be up to 5 percent of the average daily turnover of Alphabet Google's parent for each day of non-compliance.......The mission is very simple: we have to protect consumers and competition to make sure that consumers get the best of fair competition. Choice, innovation, best possible prices. This is what we do. It has been done before, we will continue to do it no matter the political context."

However, Google said Android has created more choice for everyone, not less.
A company spokesman said the system provided a vibrant ecosystem, rapid innovation and lower prices which are classic hallmarks of robust competition.
Alphabet says it will appeal the fine, despite being able to easily pay it off.
The firm is also appealing a fine issued by EU regulators last year over unfair practices regarding its online shopping search service.
Meanwhile, Google is under a third investigation that's centered on its online advert-placing service, AdSense.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.