EU Court Adviser Juliane Kokott Backs $4.7 Billion 2018 Google Android Antitrust Fine; California Jury Orders $314 Million Payment

Alphabet's Google has suffered a setback in its ongoing legal battles over antitrust and privacy issues. An adviser to the European Union's highest court recommended upholding a record €4.125 billion ($4.7 billion) fine imposed on Google in 2018 for abusing its dominant position with the Android operating system. The fine, the largest ever imposed by the EU, stems from Google's restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile operators to preserve its search dominance. While the adviser’s opinion is non-binding, it is often followed by the European Court of Justice, putting Google's appeal at risk of dismissal.

Separately, a California jury ruled that Google misused Android users' cellular data without their knowledge, ordering the company to pay more than $314 million in damages. The class-action lawsuit found that Google collected data from users' devices without permission, including when devices were idle. Google has indicated plans to challenge the California verdict. These developments mark significant legal challenges for Google in both Europe and the United States regarding its Android business practices and data privacy.