Google parent company Alphabet (GOOGL) has lost its appeal of a record $4.7 billion U.S. European antitrust fine.
Europe’s top court upheld the fine of 4.1 billion euros ($4.67 billion U.S.) over alleged anti-competitive practices.
In 2018, the European Commission hit Alphabet with the record-breaking penalty on the grounds that it abused Android’s mobile dominance to give unfair advantages to its own apps.
Alphabet was accused of pre-installing it own apps on its smartphones and of striking preinstallation deals with other smartphone makers.
Alphabet has been appealing the judgement through Europe’s courts. But the European Court of Justice, the top court, dismissed the company’s final appeal.
Lawyers for Alphabet argued unsuccessfully that the Android operating system provides choice for users and supports developers and businesses throughout Europe.
Alphabet also allowed Android users in Europe to switch between search engines and browsers so that they are not tied to the company’s apps.
The European Commission has pursued Alphabet for more than a decade over alleged antitrust practices.
The Commission has also fined the company for anti-competitive practices in its online advertising business.
Europe has cracked down on big technology firms with its “Digital Markets Act,” which has also accused companies such as Apple (AAPL) and Meta Platforms (META) of being anticompetitive.
Europe’s treatment of U.S. technology companies has drawn the anger of Donald Trump who has threatened 100% tariffs on any country that imposes a digital services tax on a U.S. firm.
GOOGL stock has gained 102% in the last 12 months to trade at $361.21 U.S. per share.
