South Korea's Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) Market Surveillance Bureau alleged on July 1, 2026, that Google abused its dominant position in the Android app marketplace to hinder competition and affect revenue of 14.16 trillion won (about US$9.1 billion) [1, 2, 3]. From July 2019 to March 2026, Google's Games/Google Velocity Program, named 'Project Hug,' financially supported game developers on the condition they launched games on Google Play under terms as favorable or better than rival stores, effectively encouraging exclusivity and blocking competitors like South Korea's OneStore [1, 2, 3]. If the KFTC determines Google abused its market dominance, it may impose a fine of up to 6% of the affected revenue, equating to approximately US$546 million [1, 2, 3]. Google has eight weeks after receiving the examiner's report to submit a written response and present evidence [1, 2, 3].
Separately, on July 2, 2026, the European Court of Justice dismissed Google's appeal against a record €4.1 billion ($4.7 billion) antitrust fine related to its Android operating system imposed by the European Commission in 2018 [4, 5, 6]. The EU alleged Google abused Android's dominance by requiring phone makers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome, thereby blocking rivals [4, 5]. The court stated, "The Court of Justice dismisses the appeal brought by Google and Alphabet... thereby confirming the penalty imposed on them" [4]. This €4.1 billion penalty is the EU's highest ever antitrust fine [4, 5, 6]. Google argued the case was unfounded and the EU overlooked Apple’s preferential practices, claiming consumers were free to choose apps [4, 5]. It said the judgment failed to recognize "our significant investment to ensure Android remains open, interoperable and free" [4]. The court also ordered Google to pay the commission’s legal costs [4, 5].
In South Korea, the KFTC investigation could lead to further regulatory action based on Google's response to the examiner’s report expected within eight weeks from July 1. In the EU, the court ruling finalizes the fine imposed since 2018 and ends Google's legal challenge on the matter.
