During a hearing on Tuesday, Google lawyer Alfonso Lamadrid stated that the fine actually punished the company for its innovations and successes. He noted that Google does not dispute its responsibility, but the European Commission misinterpreted the company’s actions, punishing it for its achievements and the attractiveness of its business models.
Previously, in 2022, a lower court reduced the fine to €4.1 billion, upholding the commission’s decision that Google used its market position to force smartphone manufacturers to install Google Search, the Chrome browser, and the Google Play store on Android devices, excluding the use of competing systems.
Lamadrid, in turn, argued that such conditions did not restrict competition but rather promoted it. He emphasized that Google strives to create the best products and services for users, which benefits the entire market.
