The European Commission announced the €890 million fine on Google on Thursday, explaining that the company violated EU regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by favoring its own services in the Google search engine and limiting access to alternative, often cheaper offers in the Google Play store.
Commenting on the fine for Google, Trump expressed his belief that "this is an illegal and highly discriminatory practice." "Please consider this post on TRUTH as an announcement that we will immediately launch a Section 301 investigation into the practice of 'looting' American companies, and therefore American taxpayers," he added.
This concerns proceedings under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an earlier package of global tariffs, the Trump administration is using this provision to build a new tariff architecture.
Trump warned that the EU "will pay a very high price for this illegal and highly unethical conduct, which he has consistently warned against." "The penalties will be completely reversed, and we also expect significant tariffs to be imposed on them as soon as possible," he announced. He stated that the U.S. is not a European "piggy bank."
The DMA imposes special obligations on large tech companies that control popular platforms and are an important channel for smaller companies to reach consumers. These companies must avoid favoring their own services in the EU market and blocking access to other offerings.
Google has 60 days to bring its services into compliance with EU law. Failure to do so will result in periodic fines of up to 5% of its global turnover.
(pu)
Source: PAP