EU fines Google €460 million for favouring its own services in search results
- Why it matters
- Google Search may no longer display its own services, such as Google Maps, flights, hotels and price comparison, more favourably than similar services from other companies.
- This affects businesses that are found through Google: booking platforms, comparison sites, travel, map and translation services, sports media and gaming sites.
- The big picture
The European Commission finds that Alphabet breaches the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with Google Search. The DMA prohibits large platforms (gatekeepers) from favouring their own services in ranking. Google shows its own services in a prominent, rich format at the top of the results page, while similar offers from others appear only as ordinary search results. The decision dates from 23 July 2026; the Official Journal carries the official summary.
- By the numbers
- €460 million: the fine on Alphabet (the maximum is 10% of worldwide turnover)
- 60 calendar days after notification to Google (decision of 23 July 2026): the deadline to end the infringement
- 9 services named, including Google Maps, flights, trains, accommodation and price comparison
- What's next
- Google must treat its own services and similar services from others equally in search results. How is up to Google: give others the same prominent placement, or remove that placement from its own services.
- If Google does not comply within the deadline, periodic penalty payments follow. Google must also take measures to prevent a recurrence.