Google fined £3.8bn by EU over Android antitrust violations

Firm to launch appeal because 'Android has created more choice for everyone, not less'

Google has been hit with a landmark a4.34bn (3.8bn) fine by the European Union over "serious illegal behaviour" to secure the dominance of its search engine on mobile phones.

The European commission imposed the record penalty after finding that the US tech firm required smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Google's search and browser apps on devices using its Android operating system, which is used on 80% of all phones. Manufacturers that refused Google would not be allowed to use its Google Play online store and streaming service.