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The European Union is preparing a record penalty against Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to reports published on Tuesday.
The fine, ranging in the hundreds of millions of euros, would be the largest enforcement action under the EU’s new digital competition law. Regulators believe Google gave preferential treatment to its own services in search results, hurting rival platforms.
The case focuses on products such as Google Shopping, Google Flights and local business listings. EU officials argue that Google used its dominance in online search to push its own services ahead of competitors.
The investigation began in 2025 after complaints from European comparison-shopping sites and digital service companies.
Under the DMA, large technology platforms classified as ‘gatekeepers’ must provide fair access to competitors and avoid favouring their own products. Violations can attract fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue.
Reports suggest the European Commission is now close to finalising the penalty. The final amount remains unclear, though regulators may avoid imposing the maximum fine because Google has already proposed changes to some search ranking systems.
Google has denied wrongdoing and said the DMA-driven changes have affected the quality of search results in Europe.
Company executives previously argued that some of the required changes reduced the usefulness of Google Search for users. The company maintained that its search features help consumers find services faster and more efficiently.
The expected action adds to the EU’s broader crackdown on Big Tech companies. Over the past two years, European regulators have increased scrutiny of firms including Apple, Meta and Amazon under new digital market regulations.
Also Read: Google Challenges Monopoly Verdict, Defends Apple Search Deal
The Google case is being seen as a major test of the DMA’s enforcement powers. A strong penalty would signal that the EU is prepared to take aggressive action against dominant technology companies despite expected legal challenges.
The European Commission has not officially confirmed the fine or its timeline. Reports indicate a decision could arrive before the EU’s summer recess.
Google is expected to challenge the ruling if the penalty moves forward, setting up another legal battle between Brussels and one of the world’s largest technology companies.
