Google parent hit with record £2.1bn fine by European Commission

For 'illegal advantage'

Natalie Kenway
clock • 1 min read

Alphabet, the parent of popular search engine Google and owner of YouTube and Android, has been hit with a £2.1bn fine by the European Commission for abusing its dominance in web searches.

Shares in the tech giant fell almost 3% in after-hours trading as in results for the three months to the end of June, Alphabet revealed the European Commission had fined the business resulting in a 40% reduction in profits, according to the BBC. The regulator said the group had abused its power by promoting its own shopping comparison service at the top of search results. Apple shares temporarily fall 14% after trading glitch hits Nasdaq stocks It is the regulator's largest ever penalty against a company accused of distorting the market but Alphabet has already said it may challeng...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

Data-driven or anecdotal? Examining FCA Consumer Duty board reports

Data-driven or anecdotal? Examining FCA Consumer Duty board reports

'Data is not a by-product of systems; it is a core governance asset'

Chris Davies
clock 27 March 2026 • 6 min read
FCA 'consistently behind the curve' on British Steel – Complaints Commissioner

FCA 'consistently behind the curve' on British Steel – Complaints Commissioner

Regulator hits back at Complaints Commissioner’s final report

Jenna Brown
clock 26 March 2026 • 3 min read
Advisers warned against 'cost-saving' exercises as FCA proposes ditching annual suitability requirement

Advisers warned against 'cost-saving' exercises as FCA proposes ditching annual suitability requirement

Changes offer an opportunity for more ‘meaningful’ advice

Sophia Panayi
clock 26 March 2026 • 4 min read