Google is expected to face charges from the European Commission for breaching rules designed to rein in the power of Big Tech, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
The charges are reportedly linked to proposed changes to its search results that failed to satisfy the Commission’s concerns—and those of rival companies—over potential bias in favoring Google’s own vertical search engines such as Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels.
The European Commission, which has been investigating Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) since March last year, is said to be focusing on whether the tech giant discriminates against third-party services in its search results. If found in breach, Google could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
The impending charges come amid broader tensions between U.S. political leaders and European regulators. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly sided with American tech giants in their opposition to EU regulations, criticizing fines as a form of tariff. These remarks have fueled concerns that the European Commission might consider easing its scrutiny of Big Tech, though the investigation into Google appears to be moving forward.
In response to the growing regulatory pressure, Google referenced a December blog post by Oliver Bethell, its director for EMEA competition, saying the company is actively working with the Commission to find a balanced solution. Bethell warned that additional changes to its search result formats aimed at appeasing rivals could lead to the removal of some useful features.
The DMA-related investigation into Google is one of several ongoing probes by EU antitrust regulators, with separate, more advanced investigations reportedly targeting Apple and Meta Platforms. Another probe focuses on potential restrictions that may prevent app developers from informing users about offers outside the Google App Store at no cost.
The European Commission has declined to comment on the forthcoming charges, leaving industry observers to await further developments as the regulatory process unfolds.
In 2013, just a month after becoming president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita declared that the days of mutinous soldiers undermining government authority in...
Polling closed on Sunday (7 December) in Hong Kong’s overhauled “patriots-only” legislative election, with vote counting now underway....
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is set to make an official visit to Türkiye on Monday....
Greetings from Tripoli — a city that stands at the heart of Africa’s energy landscape and today hosts one of the continent’s key regional gather...
Children are forming new patterns of trust and attachment with AI companions, entering a world where digital partners shape their play, their confiden...
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has introduced its newest model, DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale, claiming it can perform some tasks as well as the latest models from Google DeepMind and OpenAI.
Two of the world’s fiercest technology rivals have announced a surprise collaboration, aiming to shore up the stability of the global internet infrastructure following a series of costly disruptions.
Google has announced a major update for its Pixel 10 series: owners can now send and receive files with Apple devices using AirDrop, without any collaboration from Apple. The new functionality applies to iPhones, iPads, and macOS devices, though for now it is limited to the Pixel 10 line.
Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, is entering the U.S. dollar and euro debt markets with a multi-tranche senior unsecured notes issue.
A coup attempt by “a small group of soldiers” has been foiled, Beninese Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said on Sunday on national television, urging citizens to continue their daily activities.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Children are forming new patterns of trust and attachment with AI companions, entering a world where digital partners shape their play, their confidence and the conversations they no longer share with adults.
The International Robot Exhibition (IREX) opened in Tokyo on 3 December, bringing together visitors to explore robotics applications for industry, healthcare, logistics, and everyday life.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including prominent Republican China hawk Tom Cotton, introduced the SAFE CHIPS Act on Thursday, aiming to prevent the Trump administration from easing restrictions on China’s access to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips for a period of 2.5 years.
A former Apple engineer has unveiled a new Chinese chip designed to compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has introduced its newest model, DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale, claiming it can perform some tasks as well as the latest models from Google DeepMind and OpenAI.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment