EU fines Google €2.95bn despite Trump's threats

The European Union has fined Google €2.95 billion ($3.47 billion) for its advertising services, despite warnings from President Donald Trump not to target big US technology companies.

According to a report by the foreign news agency ‘AFP’, Google has vowed to appeal the European Commission’s decision, which accused the US firm of stifling competition in the 27-nation bloc.

EU Antitrust Commissioner Teresa Ribera said that ‘Google abused its dominant position in adtech, harming publishers, advertisers and consumers, a behavior that is illegal under EU antitrust rules.’

Trump has threatened to go after Europe for its rules on digital markets and content policing, which affect US-based tech companies.

Earlier this week, Antitrust Commissioner Teresa Ribera put the fine on hold, apparently out of fear of US retaliation.

The EU is still waiting for the US to fulfill its promise to reduce tariffs on cars under a trade deal reached in July.

Brussels ordered Google to end its ‘selfish conduct’ and take steps to eliminate its inherent conflicts of interest.

Teresa Ribera said that “Google has 60 days to inform the Commission how it intends to do so”.

She stated that at this stage it seemed that the only way for Google to effectively eliminate its conflicts of interest was structural, such as by selling part of its ad tech business.

Google said the Commission’s decision was ‘wrong’ and that it would appeal.

“This is an unjustified fine and such changes will harm thousands of European businesses and make it harder for them to make money,” said Leigh-Ann Mulholland, the firm’s global head of regulatory affairs.

She added, “There is nothing anti-competitive about providing services to buyers and sellers of advertising services, and there are more alternatives to our services than ever before”.