Google was fined $1.7 billion by European authorities for requiring websites using its search bar to feature Google's advertising services over rivals, which was found to be an unfair practice that cemented Google's dominance in online search advertising. This is the third major fine Google has received from the EU since 2017 totaling over $9 billion for leveraging its power in search, mobile operating systems, and shopping services to undercut competitors. Some US politicians have also called for increased scrutiny of large tech companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook and potential measures like breaking them up. In response to the fines, Google announced changes to allow more choice of browsers and search engines on Android devices and boost rival services in some search results.

1. Do Tech Companies Have
Too Much Power?
Shayla Taute

2. Fined $1.7 Billion
● This morning Google was fined by European authorities $1.7 billion for “unfair
advertisements”
○ Google had unfairly required websites that used its search bar to feature ads from
Google’s advertising services over those of rivals
● “Google has cemented its dominance in online search adverts and shielded itself
from competitive pressure by imposing anti-competitive contractual
restrictions on third-party websites. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules”

3. Questioning Influence of Silicon Valley
● This is the third time since 2017 that the European Union has fined Google for unfair
advertising
● Last year they were fined $5.1 billion for using its ownership of the Android mobile
operating system to unfairly undercut rivals in the mobile phone market, a decision that
also forced the company to change how it bundles its apps on smartphones
● Also fined $2.4 billion in 2017 for favoring its own shopping services rather than their rivals

4. Influences in US Politics
● Sen. Elizabeth Warren has targeted breaking up giant technology
companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook as a priority
in her Democratic presidential campaign
● Rep. David Cicilline called for federal investigation of Facebook

6. Google Announces Changes
● They will allow users in Europe to switch to another web browser and search engine
on Android
● In order to allow more competition when users shop with Google, they said they would
give other shopping sites more prominence in its search results
○ will do the same with local search queries, such as when a person browses for a
restaurant, it will benefit TripAdvisor and OpenTable

7. Questions?