Google loses appeal against Russian competition fine of six million euros

A Russian judge has dismissed Google’s appeal against an imposed competition fine. The regulator handed out the fine of converted six million euros because Google would abuse its dominant position with Android.

It is not yet clear whether Google must now definitively pay this fine or whether an appeal is still possible. The rejection of the appeal was announced by the Russian news agency Interfax. Earlier this week, reports came out via the news agency that Google and regulator FAS had not been able to reach a settlement, after which the judge considered the case.

Google was fined because it requires manufacturers to offer bundled Google apps with their devices and to give certain apps a prominent place on the home screen. These are conditions for access to the Play Store. The Russian company Yandex has reported the case to the FAS, because its search service was harmed by Google’s practices.

The European Commission is also eyeing Google for similar reasons. The company has until September 7 to respond to the Commission’s complaint.