In a stunning courtroom moment that could change the future of Big Tech in Europe, a top adviser to the EU’s highest court has just told judges to uphold a massive €4.1 billion fine against Google. This is a major loss for the tech giant, which has spent years fighting the penalty related to its Android mobile system. If the court agrees, Google could be forced to pay one of the biggest antitrust fines in history.
What’s the Story?
This case began back in 2018, when the European Commission fined Google for abusing its dominant position in the smartphone market. Officials said Google used Android to crush competition by:
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Forcing phone makers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome
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Offering payments to companies that agreed not to install rival search engines
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Stopping manufacturers from using modified versions of Android
Although Google appealed the decision—and even won a small reduction of the fine in 2022—the company kept pushing to get the fine thrown out entirely.
The New Setback for Google
Now in 2025, things have taken a turn against Google. Juliane Kokott, a respected advocate general at the European Court of Justice (ECJ), recommended that the fine should remain in place.
She said Google’s arguments were “not convincing” and that the company clearly limited competition and harmed consumer choice through its Android policies. While Kokott’s advice is not a final ruling, the ECJ judges usually follow these recommendations.
What Happens if Google Loses?
If the court agrees with Kokott, here’s what it means:
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Google will have to pay the full €4.125 billion fine
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This would mark a historic loss for the company and a huge win for EU regulators
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It could set a powerful example for future cases under the Digital Markets Act, a new EU law targeting Big Tech companies
This case is just one of several Google is fighting in Europe, including a separate investigation into its digital advertising business.
Why This Matters Globally
This case is bigger than just money. It’s about how much control one company can have over the tools billions of people use every day. The ruling could reshape how:
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Search engines compete on mobile phones
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App developers promote their services
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Phone companies build their Android systems
Other tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Amazon are also watching closely. If Google loses here, they could face similar challenges in the future.
What’s Next?
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The final decision from the ECJ judges is expected in a few months
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If they side with the adviser, Google’s appeal will end, and the fine becomes final
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No further appeals will be possible in EU courts
Google said in a statement it believes the Android model encourages innovation and gives users more choices, not less. But the EU says otherwise.