The European Commission has fined search giant Google USD 1.69 billion for allegedly abusive practices in online advertising in the region that harmed competition and stifled innovation.
A large fine was widely anticipated over abusive AdSense practices. However, not as high as this, which comes on top of the USD 5 billion and USD 2.4 billion fines slapped on Google in 2018 and 2017, Engadget reported.
Google is accused of shielding itself from competitive pressure through exclusive advertising contracts with publishers. Through its AdSense service, Google dominated 70 per cent of the market in Europe over a 10-year period.
Meanwhile, Google has taken measures to address the EU's concerns. Ahead of the commission's announcement, Google started asking Android users which browser and search engine they want to use, instead of giving Google Chrome and Google Search as default options.
It has also made separate licenses for Google Play, Chrome, and Search to allow phone makers to offer their own alternatives. Over the next few months, Google will be making further updates to give more visibility to rivals in Europe.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)