Google faces modest EU fine as antitrust chief shifts strategy

Alphabet's Google is set to face a modest European Union antitrust fine in the coming weeks for allegedly anti-competitive practices in its advertising technology business, marking a significant shift in regulatory approach under new EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera. The decision concludes a four-year investigation triggered by a complaint from the European Publishers Council that led to formal charges in 2023 alleging Google favors its own advertising services over competitors.

The modest penalty represents a departure from predecessor Margrethe Vestager's strategy of imposing hefty deterrent fines. Sources close to the matter indicate Ribera wants to focus on getting companies to end anti-competitive practices rather than simply punish them. The EU competition enforcer declined to comment on the investigation.