General Court confirmed that Google broke the European Union antitrust rules

On September 14, 2022, the General Court of the European Union largely upheld the European Commission’s 2018 decision that Google violated EU competition law rules. Google imposed a large amount of unlawful restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile operators to further consolidate its position in Internet search such as:

• Requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google’s search and Chrome apps  as a condition for licensing Google’s app store.
• Preventing manufacturers with Google apps from selling devices running on alternative versions that have not been approved by Google.

In 2018, the European Commission noted that companies providing alternative browsers were prevented from reaching consumers by these measures.

How it affects consumers

Due to this new ruling, European consumers will be able to enjoy a wide range of browsers on their cell phones and Android devices, and it will ensure a more innovative and open digital environment for consumers.

According to Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC, Google’s practices harmed millions of Europe´s consumers by depriving them of variety for a decade. Insomuch as, if they preferred to use more innovative and privacy-friendly services, Google’s restrictions prevented them from doing so.