The greatest challenge facing West: Google fined for abusing power

It is not at all surprising that Google yesterday rejected the findings — and a €2.42bn antitrust fine — imposed by the European Commission after a seven-year investigation into how, according to the EC, the company abused its position “to give illegal advantage” to its own shopping service by making access to alternatives far more difficult than it might be.

Just as Apple CEO Tim Cook forcefully rejected a EC €13bn tax-and-fines bill imposed last August, Google rejected yesterday’s findings: “We respectfully disagree... We will review the commission’s decision... we look forward to continuing to make our case,” the corporation responded.

EC competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who imposed yesterday’s sanction after one of the most complex and politically charged investigations undertaken by Brussels, previously hit truck makers with a record cartel fine of nearly €3bn.