# Google trials major Search changes to comply with EU fine

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/google-hit-with-1-billion-fine-for-breaking-eu-antitrust-rules/
- Published: 2026-07-23T14:32:22+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-23T23:50:44+00:00
- Original publisher: The Verge
- Original article: https://www.theverge.com/tech/943866/google-alphabet-eu-dma-fine-search-services-play-store-steering
- Topics: Business, Companies, Europe, Gadgets, Health, Markets, Medicine, Software, Technology, World

## Key points

- Alphabet fined €890 million for two EU digital-market breaches.
- Google must change Search and Play Store rules within 60 days.
- EU targets self-preferencing and limits on alternative app payments.

## Summary

The European Commission has fined Google’s parent company Alphabet €890 million for two breaches of the Digital Markets Act, concerning preferential treatment of Google services in Search and restrictions on Android app payments. The decision matters because Google must alter major parts of its Search and Play Store policies within 60 days or risk further penalties, reinforcing the EU’s effort to curb the power of large technology platforms.

Of the total, €460 million relates to favouring Google Shopping, Hotels and Flights in search results, while €430 million concerns Play Store rules that limited developers’ ability to direct users to cheaper alternative payment options. The investigation began more than two years ago, and follows a previous €2.42 billion EU fine against Google in 2017 over comparison-shopping practices; Google argues that some required changes worsen its products and could reduce Android security.

## Coverage

- [The Verge: Google trials major Search changes to comply with EU fine](https://www.theverge.com/tech/943866/google-alphabet-eu-dma-fine-search-services-play-store-steering)
- [Engadget: Europe hits Google with $1 billion fine for boxing-out rivals](https://www.engadget.com/2221542/eu-google-fine-1-billion-dma/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.