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Google appeals EU's $5 billion fine over Android antitrust practices

The search giant is pushing back against an EU decision, which found the company had engaged in illegal practices to strengthen its dominance in search.

Abrar Al-Heeti Technology Reporter
Abrar Al-Heeti is a technology reporter for CNET, with an interest in phones, streaming, internet trends, entertainment, pop culture and digital accessibility. She's also worked for CNET's video, culture and news teams. She graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Though Illinois is home, she now loves San Francisco -- steep inclines and all.
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Abrar Al-Heeti
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Google is pushing back on a $5 billion fine from the EU. 

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Google on Tuesday filed an appeal of a $5 billion fine imposed by the European Commission over antitrust violations related to the company's Android mobile operating system. 

In July, the European Commission fined Google over concern the search giant's agreements with phone makers, such as HuaweiSamsung and LG, put those companies at a disadvantage by making them dependent on Android. Under the agreements, certain Google apps, search tools and the Google Play Store must be preinstalled on Android devices, allowing Google to strengthen its dominance in search.

In a statement to Reuters, Google said it had "filed our appeal of the EC's Android decision at the General Court of the EU." A company representative confirmed to CNET that Google has filed the appeal, but said it's not issuing a statement or sharing details about the appeal for the time being. 

In a July blog post titled "Android has created more choice, not less," Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the company would appeal the decision.

It may be several years before judges rule on the case, Reuters noted. 

A representative from the European Commission said it will defend its decision in court. 

First published Oct. 9, 12:57 p.m. PT.
Update, Oct. 10 at 9:23 a.m.: Adds comment from the European Commission.