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Google Faces Setback as EU Court Adviser Supports Antitrust Regulators

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Alphabet’s Google encountered a potential setback on Thursday after an adviser to Europe’s highest court sided with EU antitrust regulators over a landmark €4.34 billion ($4.98 billion) fine imposed seven years ago.

The European Commission ruled in 2018 that Google had abused its dominant position by using its Android mobile operating system to block competitors. While a lower court upheld the ruling in 2022, it slightly reduced the fine to €4.1 billion. Google subsequently appealed to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

Juliane Kokott, Advocate-General at the Luxembourg-based CJEU, issued a non-binding opinion recommending the court reject Google’s appeal and confirm the reduced fine. Kokott stated, “The legal arguments put forward by Google are ineffective.”

She dismissed Google’s claim that regulators should assess the situation by comparing Google with a hypothetical, equally efficient competitor. Kokott explained, “Google held a dominant position in several markets of the Android ecosystem and thus benefited from network effects that enabled it to ensure that users used Google Search.”

Judges typically follow the Advocate-General’s opinion in about 80% of cases. A final ruling is expected in the coming months.

Google responded by emphasizing Android’s role in creating choice and supporting businesses globally, expressing disappointment with the opinion. A spokesperson said, “If followed by the Court, [the opinion] would discourage investment in open platforms and harm Android users, partners, and app developers.”

The regulators’ investigation found Google had imposed illegal practices dating back to 2011, including requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome browser alongside Google Play on Android devices. Google also paid manufacturers to pre-install only Google Search and prevented the use of rival Android systems.

Google’s Android runs on approximately 73% of the world’s smartphones, according to Statcounter.

This fine is part of a broader enforcement effort against Google, which has amassed €8.25 billion in penalties across three antitrust cases over the past decade, with additional investigations ongoing.

Case Reference: C-738/22 P Google and Alphabet v Commission

Japan’s TDK Acquires U.S. Smart Glasses Company SoftEye

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Japanese electronics manufacturer TDK announced on Thursday it has acquired SoftEye, a U.S.-based company specializing in software and hardware for smart glasses. This acquisition supports TDK’s strategy to find new growth drivers linked to artificial intelligence (AI).

SoftEye, headquartered in San Diego, California, develops eye-tracking and object recognition technologies. Its founder and CEO, Te-Won Lee, has previously held executive roles at Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm.

According to a source familiar with the deal, the acquisition is valued at under $100 million.

Tech companies are increasingly investing in hardware beyond smartphones, with smart glasses gaining attention. Facebook owner Meta and others are focusing on AI-powered smart glasses to enhance user interaction with their environment. Social media company Snap plans to launch consumer smart glasses next year, and Alphabet’s Google recently showcased smart glasses at its developer conference. Chipmaker Qualcomm also unveiled a smart glasses processor this month.

TDK, once famous for its cassette tapes, now plays a key role in electronics by supplying components and batteries for smart glasses.

Suspected Russian Hackers Use Sophisticated New Tactic to Target UK Researcher

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Suspected Russian hackers deployed a novel and highly convincing tactic to trick British researcher Keir Giles into compromising his own accounts, according to Giles and cybersecurity experts.

Last month, the hackers impersonated a U.S. State Department official named “Claudie Weber” who contacted Giles via email to arrange a meeting requiring use of a secure government app. Although the email came from a Gmail address, the communication was fluent, idiomatic, and included apparent State Department colleagues copied on the exchange. Giles, a seasoned expert on Russia and espionage, was usually wary but was eventually deceived by the professionalism and persistence over nearly two weeks.

Giles provided an app-specific password—a credential that grants third-party app access but can bypass regular password protections—thus exposing his account.

Alphabet’s Google attributed the attack to the Russian government, citing similarities to prior campaigns. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not respond to inquiries. Giles described the operation as seamless, with no obvious red flags even in hindsight.

Cybersecurity researchers from Citizen Lab noted the attack’s fluency might indicate the use of advanced AI, such as large language models, to craft convincing messages—marking a significant upgrade from typical error-ridden phishing attempts. They also pointed out that the hackers exploited the lack of error messages when sending emails to fake State Department addresses.

This sophisticated social engineering attack highlights evolving cyber threats where even cautious experts can be deceived by carefully orchestrated campaigns.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately comment on the incident.