Google wins EU legal battle over €1.5b fine

Google won a significant legal battle against the European Union (EU), overturning a €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) fine imposed for stifling competition in online advertising.

The EU’s General Court in Luxembourg ruled on Wednesday in favour of Google’s challenge, citing errors in the regulators’ investigation.

The 2019 fine was levied on Google for allegedly preventing rivals like Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. from placing ads on third-party websites.

Despite this victory, the ruling can still be appealed to the EU’s highest court, the Court of Justice.

This decision follows recent successes for EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, who secured victories against Google over a €2.4 billion antitrust penalty and Apple Inc. regarding a €13 billion Irish tax bill.