Google appeals EC ruling

Google has launched an appeal against a record £2.1 billion fine from Europe’s competition watchdog for breaching antitrust rules with its online shopping service.

The firm has filed papers with the General Court of the European Union after stating previously it “respectfully” disagreed with the EC’s findings.

The penalty came after the competition referee launched an investigation into Google Shopping seven years ago, amid complaints it gave the service a prominent position on the internet search engine compared to rivals.

The EC told Google in June it had 90 days to stop the practice or face a penalty of up to 5% of the average daily turnover of the firm’s parent company, Alphabet.

EC Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager announced the fine.