Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has filed a petition with the European Union’s highest court to review the decision made by the European Commission to fine the company 4.3 billion euros (approximately 1.7 trillion baht) in 2018 for antitrust violations. This decision was based on the requirement for smartphone manufacturers using the Android operating system to pre-install Google Search and Chrome browser. Google has appealed this decision and while the court upheld the violation, they reduced the fine to 4.1 billion euros.
Google’s legal counsel asserts that the company is being penalized for its success in creating a competitive product. They argue that the European Commission erred in their decision as they could not prove that Google had made any agreements with smartphone manufacturers. Android remains an open operating system, and both Google Search and Chrome are popular apps that users prefer to use.
Google also reaffirms that Android does not restrict competition but instead competes with Apple’s iOS. Android offers a wide range of app choices for users without limiting options. The success of numerous app developers in Europe is evidence of this.
The antitrust case against Android is the largest tech fine in the EU. The final decision from the highest court, which cannot be appealed, is expected in the coming months.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
TLDR: Alphabet, Google’s parent company, challenges the European Commission’s fine for antitrust violations, highlighting Android’s open nature and robust competition with Apple’s iOS. The final verdict is eagerly awaited.
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