The European Union has fined Google €890 million (£1 billion) for allegedly using Google Play and its search engine to steer users towards its own services and apps, harming rivals. The decision is another major Brussels action against large technology companies and matters because it reinforces the EU’s effort to make digital platforms compete more fairly.

The European Commission said consumers should be able to access the best offers and that app developers should be free to direct them elsewhere. Google rejected the ruling, arguing that EU rules could weaken useful search features and Play Store safety protections; it follows Google’s unsuccessful appeal against a separate €4.5 billion EU Android antitrust fine.