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Google hit with $3.5 billion fine from European Union in ad-tech antitrust case

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By illuminem briefings

· 3 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Associated Press or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The European Union has fined Google €2.95 billion ($3.5 billion) for abusing its dominant position in the online advertising market. The European Commission found that Google unfairly favored its own ad services — AdX and DFP — over rivals, distorting competition and harming publishers and advertisers
Google (see sustainability performance) now has 60 days to propose remedies or face stronger structural penalties, including a potential forced sale of parts of its ad-tech business

🔭 The context: This is the fourth multibillion-euro fine imposed on Google by the EU since 2017, as part of its ongoing campaign to rein in Big Tech’s market dominance
The decision follows a formal investigation launched in 2021 and charges brought in 2023
EU regulators argue that previous penalties have failed to stop Google’s anti-competitive behavior, prompting calls for deeper structural reforms
The fine also arrives amid escalating tensions between the EU and the U.S. over digital policy and trade

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A fair and open digital advertising market is critical for funding online content, including environmental journalism and public-interest media
Google's practices reportedly reduced revenues for publishers, potentially undermining independent voices on sustainability issues
The case sets a precedent for holding digital giants accountable, which could influence future tech regulation aligned with broader governance, transparency, and fairness goals.

⏭️ What's next: The European Commission will evaluate Google’s proposed changes over the next two months, with structural remedies — including divestitures — still on the table
A parallel U.S. Department of Justice case targeting the same ad-tech services is moving into its penalty phase this month
With scrutiny also increasing in the UK and Canada, Google faces mounting international pressure that could reshape its global advertising business model and regulatory landscape

💬 One quote: “Only a break-up will fix Google’s monopoly... If Europe’s enforcers flinch on a break-up in the end, Google will rightly chalk a fine up as a win.” – Cori Crider, Future of Technology Institute

📈 One stat: Google earned $28.2 billion in revenue in Q2 2025—making the $3.5 billion fine less than 13% of a single quarter’s income

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Google and its peers Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft

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illuminem's editorial team, providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day. Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

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