EC Grants Google Extra Time on DMA Breach Case

The European Commission has granted Google extra time to address concerns that it breached the Digital Markets Act. The tech company has previously failed to satisfy the EC with its initial proposals.

EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier said Google continues to engage with officials “to defend itself and to offer a solution that really addresses the concerns that were raised in the case”. However, he added that the reality for now is that the solution is simply not strong enough.

The EC probe relates to alleged DMA breaches by Google. The EC has already charged the company under the rules and is preparing a final decision, which could include further financial penalties. Key changes include giving users the option to separate Google services, including Search, YouTube, and Chrome, resolving issues related to its app store, and curbing preferencing of its own products and services in search results.

Regnier said the EC’s focus was on securing meaningful changes to market behaviour rather than imposing fines. “Simply issuing a fine formalises the infringement without solving the issue at hand,” he explained. “This doesn’t improve the functioning of the European market. It’s not in the interests of European businesses nor of our citizens. If that option does not materialise, the Commission will have to move to the next steps.”