Russian competition watchdog fines Google 6 million euros

The Russian competition watchdog FAS fined Google on Thursday 6 million euros for abusing its dominant position with Android. According to the authority, Google obliged manufacturers to install its apps on mobile devices.

The fine imposed by FAS is 428 million rubles, or 6 million euros. According to the watchdog, Google has violated the Russian competition law because of the mandatory bundling of apps, including the search engine, whereby some apps also have to be placed in prominent places on the home screen. Google requires this from manufacturers if they want access to the Play Store with their devices.

FAS emphasizes that competition law applies to all companies and multinationals that supply products or services to the Russian Federation. The service already established the infringement last year, but has now determined the amount of the fine. The Russian company Yandex had brought the matter before FAS, because its search service would not have a fair chance on Android. Despite this, Yandex has a higher market share than Google in the country at 56 percent. Google has informed the NYT, among others, that it is planning further steps after the FAS judgment.

There is also a complaint in Europe against Google, from the European Commission, because of the abuse of power with Android.