Recommended Free Tools
The European Commission is still negotiating with Google over whether its changes to Search and Google Play satisfy two Digital Markets Act (DMA) orders issued on 23 July 2026. Those decisions imposed €890 million in penalties: €460 million over Google Search favoring its own vertical services and €430 million over Google Play restrictions on developers steering customers to cheaper offers outside the store.
Google has started changing Search-result displays and has announced, with some measures already introduced, changes to developer fees and policies on Google Play. The Commission says it will assess those steps and consult market operators before deciding whether they are sufficient.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the €890 million DMA action covers
The total is made up of two separate non-compliance decisions, not one penalty for a single product.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Decision | Platform surface | Conduct found by the Commission | Remedy ordered | Who is affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €460 million | Google Search | Preferential treatment for Google’s own shopping, hotel, transport and sports results over rival services | Fair and non-discriminatory treatment of rivals in Search | Competing vertical-search services and users comparing results |
| €430 million | Google Play | Restrictions that prevented app developers from directing users to alternative purchase channels, which can be cheaper than buying through Google Play | Permission for developers to steer users to offers outside Google Play | App developers and consumers |
The Commission issued both decisions on 23 July 2026. It gave Google 60 days to comply. Continued non-compliance could trigger daily penalty payments of up to 5% of Google’s average daily worldwide turnover, according to the Commission’s enforcement terms.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
What “in talks” means
On 14 October 2026, Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the Commission and Google were in dialogue specifically about the compliance measures. He said he would not prejudge the outcome, while confirming that Commission services were engaging with Google on the issue.
That dialogue is an assessment process, not an announcement that the cases have been settled. The Commission said it would conduct a thorough review of Google’s measures and seek views from market operators and other third parties. Those consultations are intended to test whether the changes work in practice for rivals, developers and users rather than relying only on Google’s description of them.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Changes Google has begun making
Search-result displays
By 15 October, Google had started changing how some Search results are displayed. The relevant question for the Commission is whether those changes give rival shopping, hotel, transport and sports services genuinely fair treatment, rather than merely altering the appearance of a results page while preserving a preference for Google’s own services.
The available reporting does not establish that the Commission has accepted the new display design. Its stated position is that the measures remain under review.
Google Play fees and policies
Google had announced, and in part introduced, changes to the fees it charges developers on Google Play. The Play decision is also about steering: developers must be able to tell users about, and direct them toward, purchasing options outside Google Play when those options are available.
Fee changes and steering rights are related but distinct compliance issues. A lower or restructured fee does not by itself answer whether developers can communicate external offers, and permission to link out does not by itself determine what fee model applies when a transaction remains within Google Play. The Commission’s review will consider the practical effect of the full set of changes.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
Why Google objects to the remedies
Google president of global affairs Kent Walker called the decision “not fair competition.” He also warned that complying with the Search remedy could require Google to remove real-time features, including live hotel and flight prices.
That argument frames the dispute as a trade-off between giving rivals equal treatment and preserving integrated, real-time information in Search. The Commission’s task is to determine whether Google can retain useful features while presenting rival services on fair, non-discriminatory terms. The current dialogue has not produced a publicly announced final answer to that question.
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
What happens if the Commission finds the changes inadequate
- Assessment: Commission services examine Google’s Search and Play measures and gather feedback from affected market participants.
- Compliance finding: If the measures meet the orders, the Commission can close or move beyond the active compliance phase. If they do not, it can require further corrective action.
- Financial pressure: The 60-day compliance period and the possibility of daily payments tied to 5% of average daily worldwide turnover give the Commission an escalating enforcement mechanism.
- Further uncertainty: Until the Commission publishes its assessment, neither Google’s initial changes nor its public objections establish the final outcome.
The Commission’s decisions do not state that a daily penalty has already been imposed. They describe the 5% figure as a potential payment available for non-compliance.
What users, developers and rival services should watch
- Search users: Whether rival shopping, hotel, transport and sports results receive comparable visibility and useful presentation alongside Google’s own services.
- App developers: Whether they can clearly communicate external prices or purchasing routes and direct users to them without prohibited restrictions.
- Consumers: Whether external offers are easy to discover and whether changes produce meaningful price or choice differences, rather than only new labels or layouts.
- Rival services: Whether traffic and placement improve in real Search results, not just in a compliance demonstration or limited test.
- Google: Whether it can preserve real-time hotel and flight information while meeting the Commission’s equal-treatment requirements.
Timeline of the dispute
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| 23 July 2026 | The Commission issued the two DMA non-compliance decisions covering Search and Google Play. |
| Following the decisions | Google received a 60-day compliance window; potential daily payments were set at up to 5% of average daily worldwide turnover. |
| 14 October 2026 | Spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed that the Commission and Google were in dialogue and that the measures would be assessed with input from market participants. |
| 15 October 2026 | Reporting said Google had begun Search display changes and had announced, with some implementation underway, changes to Google Play developer fees. |
As of mid-October 2026, the central issue remains unresolved: the Commission is reviewing whether Google’s concrete changes deliver the fair Search treatment and effective Play steering freedom required by the two July decisions. No final outcome of that dialogue had been announced in the available reporting.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
