Google appeals $5B European Union fine in Android antitrust case

BRUSSELS — Google is appealing a record $5-billion antitrust fine by European Union authorities, who say the tech giant abused the dominance of its Android operating system to stifle competitors.

A company spokesperson confirmed Wednesday the company has filed its legal challenge with the General Court of the EU, the bloc’s second highest court.

The EU’s executive Commission issued the fine in July after it found Google forced smartphone makers using Android to install its search and browser apps. The company also paid big phone makers to exclusively pre-install the Google Search app. The bloc’s competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, said at the time of the ruling that “companies must compete on their merits.” Under the ruling, Google must take measures to fix the problem by Oct. 31or risk more fines.