Google loses appeal against EU's €2.4bn anti-trust fine

November 10, 2021: Google lost an appeal on Wednesday against a 2.4 billion euro ($2.8 billion) fine imposed by the European Union for abusing its search engine dominance -- a big win for the bloc's anti-trust tussle with the tech titan.

The ruling by the Luxembourg-based General Court confirmed the landmark decision taken by the European Commission in 2017.

The matter could be challenged again, however, if Google decides to turn to the EU's highest court, the European Court of Justice, for a final say.

"Today's judgment delivers the clear message that Google's conduct was unlawful and it provides the necessary legal clarity for the market," the European Commission said in a statement.

The case centres on Google's shopping service and is one of three against the search engine giant currently moving through the EU's drawn-out appeals system.

AFP/APP