COThe European Union has confirmed a €4.125 billion fine against Google over antitrust practices related to Android, marking the end of an eight-year legal battle. The ruling, issued by the Court of Justice of the European Union, upholds the Commission’s decision that Google abused its dominant position by requiring phone manufacturers to pre-install Google apps like Search and Chrome as a condition for including the Google Play Store. Google had previously challenged the fine, arguing that Android remains open and beneficial to users and businesses. In addition to the financial penalty, Google plans to implement stricter rules starting in September 2026, which will require developers to verify their identities before distributing apps outside the Google Play Store—a change that has raised concerns among developers and open-source advocates.
Tendenz-Einschätzung (Mitte): The article presents the EU's legal action against Google as a factual update, without overtly criticizing or praising either side. It reports both the EU's enforcement of antitrust laws and Google's response, maintaining balance between regulatory action and corporate defense. While the issue of垄断（
