Google has agreed to pay a $36 million USD fine for anti-competitive practices in Australia involving Telstra & Optus. These deals limited consumers to only using Google Search on their devices, restricting competition. This conduct was in effect from December 2019 to March 2021. Such practices are illegal in Australia as they limit competition, which can lead to higher prices and less choice for consumers. The ACCC emphasizes emerging AI search tools as new competition in the market. Unlike past cases, Google is cooperating, admitting liability, and proposing the fine. A court will confirm if the penalty is suitable. Google already offers different search provider options in the EU after an earlier antitrust case. Since then, Telstra & Optus agreed not to repeat similar arrangements with Google. This news reflects shifts towards more competitive search engine landscapes, with AI tools becoming available.
