The European Union fines Google $3.5 billion for violating competition rules in the advertising market

The European Commission announced on Friday that it has imposed a fine of €2.95 billion (about $3.5 billion) on Google after proving that it used monopolistic practices in the digital advertising sector by favoring its own services over those of its competitors.

This penalty is the fourth major fine imposed by Brussels on the American tech giant in the context of antitrust cases, as European scrutiny of major tech companies intensifies to ensure a fairer and more competitive digital environment.

The Commission confirmed that Google's practices weakened innovation and harmed competing companies within the European market, noting that it required the company to end its preferential policies and take practical measures to address conflicts of interest in the digital advertising supply chain, particularly in mediation services that allow the buying and selling of online advertising spaces.

Despite previous threats from Brussels about the possibility of breaking up some of Google's activities if it continued to violate the laws, the Commission chose this time to resort to fines and corrective measures instead of taking more radical steps.

This move comes amid increasing European pressure on major American tech companies, as the European Union seeks to limit their growing influence and promote fair competition within digital markets.