Google Android case will attract a bigger EU fine
Let's hope that Google has been saving up enough for rainy day expenses because right now, another major EU fine is looming overhead. It has already agreed to cough up the $2.7 billion fine levied for favoring its own shopping service over others. However, in its second case filed over its Android mobile OS the fine will be harsher. Here's all about it.
Waiting for the panel review
After receiving complaints from lobby group FairSearch, US-based ad-blocking and privacy firm Disconnect Inc, Portuguese apps store Aptoide and Russia's Yandex, EU Commission charged Alphabet (Google's parent company) for using its Android OS to shut out competitors. Now, a panel of experts has been asked to give a second opinion about the case. If they concur, Alphabet is in for a bigger fine.
The worst is yet to come
Considering the fact Android has a huge growth potential, the EU Commission is expected to cross the previously levied $2.7 billion fine to make its point loud and clear. However, this is not the end of Alphabet's ordeal. They still have a third case pending with the EU concerning their AdSense, which according to experts, will be the one attracting the biggest fine.
Play fair or go home
If Google gets forced by EU to unbundle Google Play from its services then telecom operators and smartphone makers would be free to set their preferred service in place. However, if EU ordered such a measure, Alphabet will take a massive hit. Its user base of Google services will rapidly decline. So, undoubtedly, Alphabet will fight tooth and nail to stop that from happening.
Google has been a bully
According to EU, Google in order to bar manufacturers from using other Android versions, made it compulsory for smartphone makers to install Google Search and the Google Chrome browser if they wanted services of other Google mobile applications. FairSearch lawyer Thomas Vinje said, "A decision would come none too soon. Google is hurting Android users, including by surreptitiously commandeering ever-increasing amounts of personal data."
Get ready to face the music
Moreover, EU has also accused Google of paying handset makers and operators to keep Google search as the only search option on their devices. It is expected that within a month the verdict will come through. Unless there is a major difference in opinions, Alphabet is looking at a big dent in its coffers along with other punitive measures.
