Ever noticed how when you Google the latest smartphone, the top results often push a specific service? That’s because Google owns Google Shopping, its own price-comparison tool. But a Berlin court just ruled that Google must pay German platform Idealo about €465 million for market abuse (think unfair advantage), plus €107 million to another site called Producto. ⚖️💸
The court found Google had tilted the playing field between 2008 and 2023 by favoring its own service in search results. Both Idealo and Producto are part of German media group Axel Springer, and these rulings can still be appealed.
Idealo co-founder Albrecht von Sonntag says that market abuse must have consequences and must not become a lucrative business model. The startup had demanded €3.3 billion including interest, so this win is a big deal for rival platforms fighting for fair exposure.
Google, of course, strongly rejects the verdicts and plans to appeal. The company points out that in 2017 it introduced changes so that rival comparison-shopping services get the same shot as Google’s Shopping Unit to display ads on search pages. Since then, the number of sites using the Shopping Unit in Europe jumped from 7 to 1,550. 📈
Why should you care in South Asia or Southeast Asia? As we swipe and scroll on our phones—whether in Bengaluru, Bangkok or Jakarta—behind the scenes, rules set in Berlin or Brussels shape what deals and prices we see. Antitrust moves like this remind us that fair digital playgrounds matter everywhere. 🌍
Keep an eye on this space: as tech giants grow, legal battles over market power will keep influencing the apps and search results we rely on daily.
Reference(s):
Court says Google must pay German price comparison platform 465m euros
cgtn.com
