BRUSSELS: Google is facing a fresh wave of legal challenges across Europe after a landmark European Union antitrust ruling opened the door for rivals to seek billions of dollars in damages over the company’s business practices.
The latest lawsuits follow a US$1 billion fine imposed under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which found that Google had favoured its own services and restricted app developers from directing users to cheaper payment options outside the Google Play Store.
Legal experts say the ruling strengthens the position of companies seeking compensation, with potential claims estimated at up to US$10 billion.
Google rejected the allegations, saying the lawsuits were being pursued by competitors seeking financial payouts rather than investing in innovation and improving their own products.
The company has already paid more than €10 billion in EU antitrust fines over the past decade as regulators intensified scrutiny of major technology firms.
Several price comparison platforms are among those pursuing claims. Germany’s Idealo was awarded €465 million in damages by a Berlin court last year, while Britain’s Kelkoo and Sweden’s PriceRunner are also seeking substantial compensation.
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Italy’s Moltiply Group has filed a separate €2.97 billion claim linked to Google’s search and shopping practices.
Lawyers and litigation financiers say additional cases are being prepared in several European countries, arguing that the latest DMA decision provides further evidence of anti-competitive conduct.
The growing legal pressure comes as Alphabet continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, adding to financial challenges as the technology giant battles regulators and private claimants across Europe.
