Google is facing a $1 billion fine over Play Store and Search violations (Updated)

TL;DR The European Commission has fined Google a combined $1 billion over violations related to the Google Play Store and Search. Google must comply within 60 days or risk shelling out periodic penalty payments of up to 5% of its global revenues. The Commission said Google can appeal this ruling, while also acknowledging steps the company has taken to mitigate some of these violations.

Update, July 23, 2026 (4:46 PM ET): Google has replied to our inquiry with a little more detail on its response to these DMA fines. When it comes to Search, the company highlights the value its rich results offer users, like direct access to travel booking without tacking on intermediate fees. Efforts it’s taken to comply with EC rules by not offering such results have been associated with significantly decreased booking rates — and a corresponding loss of tourism revenue in impacted nations.

As for the Play Store, Google expresses concerns that EC requirements amount to a loophole around its app review processes, potentially exposing users to increased risk. The company notes that developers rely on the security of the Play Store as much as end users, and Google disagrees with efforts that seem to make the landscape less safe for everyone involved.