EU Accuses Alphabet of Antitrust Violations in Search and Play Store

Teresa Ribera, the European executive vice president for clean, just, and competitive transition, stated that Google’s current search practices deny rivals a fair playing field. By funneling users toward internal products like Google Shopping, Hotels, and Flights, the company suppresses fair ranking for competitors. The Commission also challenged Google's anti-steering policies, arguing the company prevents Android users from discovering cheaper, alternative distribution channels for mobile applications.

Google has pushed back against these findings. Oliver Bethell, senior director of competition at Google, argued that the regulatory mandates are misguided and could ultimately harm consumers. According to Bethell, removing direct search links to airline websites forces users toward intermediary platforms, resulting in higher ticket prices. He further claimed that previous compliance efforts already caused a 30 percent traffic drop for some third-party businesses. The company maintains that the Commission’s approach to app distribution forces a false choice between software security and open marketplace access. Alphabet now faces the prospect of either adjusting its business model or challenging the charges before a final ruling is issued.