Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is expected to face formal charges from the European Commission for allegedly violating EU rules designed to curb the dominance of Big Tech. According to sources familiar with the matter, Google’s proposed changes to its search results have failed to satisfy regulators or address the concerns of its competitors.

This move comes amid ongoing tensions between the European Union and the United States, with former U.S. President Donald Trump having previously criticized EU regulations as unfair to American tech giants. Some observers worry that geopolitical factors could influence how strictly the EU enforces its competition laws.

Focus of the Investigation

The European Commission launched its investigation into Google in March last year as part of enforcing the Digital Markets Act (DMA). One key area of scrutiny is whether Google unfairly prioritizes its own services—such as Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels—over competitors in search results. Regulators are also examining potential discrimination against third-party services on Google’s search platform.

The upcoming charges will specifically address these concerns, sources say.

While the EU competition watchdog declined to comment on the case, Google pointed to a December blog post by Oliver Bethell, its EMEA competition director. In the post, Bethell stated that Google is actively working with the Commission to find a balanced solution, warning that excessive changes to search result formats could compromise user experience by removing certain helpful features.

Industry Pushback & Google’s Response

Over the past few months, Google has implemented several modifications to how search results are displayed in an attempt to address complaints from price-comparison sites, hotels, airlines, and small retailers. However, most of these groups have dismissed the changes, arguing that they do not fully comply with DMA regulations.

Additionally, regulators are reportedly displeased with Google’s suggestion to revert to traditional blue links in search results if it cannot meet competitors’ demands.

Under the DMA, Google is prohibited from favoring its own services on its platforms, with potential penalties reaching up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

Timeline & Additional Investigations

Sources indicate that the formal charges against Google could be issued in the coming months, following decisions on separate investigations into Apple and Meta, which are currently further along.

Meanwhile, Google is also under scrutiny for potentially limiting how app developers inform users about alternative offers outside the Google Play Store, another potential DMA violation.

As regulatory pressure mounts, Google faces increasing challenges in aligning its business practices with Europe’s evolving digital competition laws.

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