Google is facing a fresh legal challenge in Europe as a series of private lawsuits seeking up to $10 billion in damages gather momentum following its first loss under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The new wave of claims comes after the EU fined Google $1 billion for favoring its own services and restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper payment options outside Google Play
The lawsuits, filed by price comparison websites and other smaller rivals across Europe, build on years of antitrust investigations that have already resulted in more than €10.4 billion in EU fines against Google. Companies including Kelkoo, PriceRunner, Moltiply Group, and others argue that Google’s anti-competitive practices caused significant financial harm over many years, with some individual claims reaching billions of dollars.
Legal experts believe the DMA ruling could encourage even more businesses to seek compensation, while Google maintains the lawsuits lack merit and are driven by companies seeking payouts rather than innovation. Although Google is expected to appeal several rulings, the growing number of damages claims marks a costly new phase in Europe’s long-running crackdown on the tech giant.
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