WORLD NEWS
The two reasons the EU fined Google €890 million
The European Commission said on 23 July 2026 that Google breached the Digital Markets Act and issued total fines of €890 million. The two issues are Google Search self-preferencing and restrictions that kept Google Play app developers from freely steering users to cheaper external purchase channels.
This is an EU DMA enforcement decision. It would be too broad to say that Google Search and app-payment policies worldwide change immediately; Google’s response and the practical compliance details still need follow-up.
The Two Fines
- Search self-preferencing: the Commission says Google treated its own vertical search services more favourably than third-party services in Google Search and issued a €460 million fine.
- Google Play steering: the Commission says Google restricted app developers from freely guiding users to cheaper external purchase channels and issued a €430 million fine.
Together, the two fines add up to €890 million. The Commission also ordered Google to end the non-compliance.
What Was Decided
The DMA is the EU law for large gatekeeper platforms that can shape access to digital markets. This decision reaches both search-result presentation and the ability of app developers to tell users about purchase options outside an app store.
Why Search And App Payments Matter
Search ranking affects which services users reach. App-store steering limits can affect whether developers can explain prices, payment routes, and subscription choices to users. The Commission treats these as market-access conditions, not just screen-design details.
What Is Not Settled Yet
The public version of the final decisions with confidential information removed, Google’s legal response, and the actual product changes still need follow-up. Because this is an EU decision, it should not be described as an immediate worldwide change for every user.
Next Checks
The next checks are Google’s formal response, publication of non-confidential decision versions, and practical compliance changes. The Commission DMA page and Press Corner verify the figures and reasoning, while EUR-Lex gives the legal basis.
Official Sources
European Commission Press Corner: same fine amounts and summary of the two decisions