In a significant legal victory, Google has successfully overturned a €1.49 billion ($1.66 billion) antitrust fine imposed by the European Union (EU) five years ago, which targeted its online advertising business related to search ads on third-party websites.
The European Commission's 2019 ruling focused on a specific aspect of Google's ad business: ads sold next to Google search results on third-party websites. Regulators accused Google of inserting exclusivity clauses in its contracts that prevented these websites from running similar ads sold by Google's competitors.
While the ruling can be appealed on points of law to the Court of Justice, the EU's top court, the European Commission stated that it will carefully study the judgment and reflect on possible next steps.
Despite this legal victory, Google continues to face intense scrutiny over its digital ad business from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic.
The overturned fine was part of a broader antitrust crackdown by the European Union on Big Tech companies, marking the beginning of an era of intensifying scrutiny.
The court ruling represents a significant win for Google in its ongoing battles with regulators over its online advertising practices. However, the company faces continued scrutiny and potential challenges from competition authorities worldwide, reflecting the growing concerns over the market power and practices of Big Tech firms.
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