Commission fines Google 890m EUR under DMA (search self-preferencing and Play steering)

On 23 July 2026 the European Commission announced two DMA non-compliance decisions against Google: €460 million for self-preferencing its own services on Google Search, and €430 million for restrictions that stop businesses directing consumers to alternative purchase channels on Google Play (steering) — €890 million in total (IP/26/1670).

What the Play decision requires

Under the DMA, app developers distributing via Google Play should be able to inform customers — free of charge — of alternative, often cheaper offers and direct them to those offers (for example on websites or alternative app stores). The Commission found Google failed to comply: it prevents developers from freely communicating and promoting offers and concluding contracts with users in distribution channels of their choice, including third-party app stores.

The Commission ordered Google, within 60 days, to allow developers distributing via Play, both technically and contractually, to freely communicate, promote offers and conclude contracts with users not only within but also outside the Google Play app store — or face periodic penalty payments. Separately, the Search decision requires fair and non-discriminatory treatment of third-party services in ranking.

Operator action

This record summarises the Commission press release. It is not legal advice and does not invent which Google Play policy text changed on day 61.

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Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human editorial review pending.