In a landmark ruling, Google has been ordered to pay £2.4 billion (approximately Rs 26,172 crore) following a prolonged 15-year legal battle with a UK couple, Shivaun Raff and her husband, Adam.

The European Court of Justice upheld the European Commission's original 2017 fine, which accused Google of abusing its market dominance in the comparison shopping sector. The tech giant expressed disappointment over the court's decision according to a detailed report by BBC.

How it all started?<o:p></o:p>

Shivaun and Adam Raff co-founded their price comparison website, Foundem, in 2006 after leaving secure jobs to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Their platform aimed to help consumers find the best prices across various online retailers.

However, from the moment they launched, they noticed a significant drop in their visibility on Google search results, particularly for terms like ‘price comparison’ and ‘comparison shopping’. This decline severely limited their audience reach and revenue potential. In a way Google abused its market dominance.

"We were monitoring our rankings, and then we saw them all plummet almost immediately," Adam recalled in a recent interview. Initially, the couple believed their site's poor performance was an unfortunate mistake, a misidentification by Google's spam filters. "We thought this was collateral damage," Shivaun stated, hoping that with enough communication, the issue could be resolved. 

Despite multiple attempts to engage with Google and rectify their search ranking, the couple received no response for over two years. By late 2008, they suspected something more complicated was at play when their site began experiencing unusually high traffic, leading them to consider the possibility of a cyber-attack. However, it turned out to be a surge in interest from users, ultimately resulting in Foundem being recognized as the best price comparison site in the UK by Channel 5’s The Gadget Show.

Frustrated by Google’s lack of response and the detrimental impact on their business, the Raffs turned to regulatory bodies in the UK, the US, and Brussels for assistance. Unfortunately, by 2016, they were forced to shut down Foundem, though they have continued their fight against Google through civil damages claims, with a court date set for 2026.

Biggest penalty ever imposed<o:p></o:p>

The fine imposed on Google in 2017 was the largest ever levied by the European Commission until it was overtaken by a subsequent £4.3 billion fine for different violations.

Google has since claimed that it has made necessary adjustments to its business practices to comply with regulatory demands, stating that these changes have benefited over 800 comparison shopping services.

A spokesperson for Google said that the CJEU judgement [in 2024] only relates to “how we showed product results from 2008-2017.”

He further stated according to the BBC report that, “The changes we made in 2017 to comply with the European Commission's Shopping decision have worked successfully for more than seven years, generating billions of clicks for more than 800 comparison shopping services. For this reason, we continue to strongly contest the claims made by Foundem and will do so when the case is considered by the courts,” the spokesperson added.

Hence, the outcome of this lengthy legal battle highlights the challenges small businesses face when competing against industry giants and underscores the importance of fair competition in the digital marketplace.

In a landmark ruling, Google has been ordered to pay £2.4 billion (approximately Rs 26,172 crore) following a prolonged 15-year legal battle with a UK couple, Shivaun Raff and her husband, Adam.

In a landmark ruling, Google has been ordered to pay £2.4 billion (approximately Rs 26,172 crore) following a prolonged 15-year legal battle with a UK couple, Shivaun Raff and her husband, Adam. The European Court of Justice upheld the European Commission's original 2017 fine, which accused Google of abusing its market dominance in the comparison shopping sector. The tech giant expressed disappointment over the court's decision according to a detailed report by BBC. How it all started? Shivaun and Adam Raff co-founded their price comparison website, Foundem, in 2006 after leaving secure jobs to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Their platform aimed to help consumers find the best prices across various online retailers. However, from the moment they launched, they noticed a significant drop in their visibility on Google search results, particularly for terms like ‘price comparison’ and ‘comparison shopping’. This decline severely limited their audience reach and revenue potential. In a way Google abused its market dominance. "We were monitoring our rankings, and then we saw them all plummet almost immediately," Adam recalled in a recent interview. Initially, the couple believed their site's poor performance was an unfortunate mistake, a misidentification by Google's spam filters. "We thought this was collateral damage," Shivaun stated, hoping that with enough communication, the issue could be resolved. Despite multiple attempts to engage with Google and rectify their search ranking, the couple received no response for over two years. By late 2008, they suspected something more complicated was at play when their site began experiencing unusually high traffic, leading them to consider the possibility of a cyber-attack. However, it turned out to be a surge in interest from users, ultimately resulting in Foundem being recognized as the best price comparison site in the UK by Channel 5’s The Gadget Show. Frustrated by Google’s lack of response and the detrimental impact on their business, the Raffs turned to regulatory bodies in the UK, the US, and Brussels for assistance. Unfortunately, by 2016, they were forced to shut down Foundem, though they have continued their fight against Google through civil damages claims, with a court date set for 2026. Biggest penalty ever imposed The fine imposed on Google in 2017 was the largest ever levied by the European Commission until it was overtaken by a subsequent £4.3 billion fine for different violations. Google has since claimed that it has made necessary adjustments to its business practices to comply with regulatory demands, stating that these changes have benefited over 800 comparison shopping services. A spokesperson for Google said that the CJEU judgement [in 2024] only relates to “how we showed product results from 2008-2017.” He further stated according to the BBC report that, “The changes we made in 2017 to comply with the European Commission's Shopping decision have worked successfully for more than seven years, generating billions of clicks for more than 800 comparison shopping services. For this reason, we continue to strongly contest the claims made by Foundem and will do so when the case is considered by the courts,” the spokesperson added. Hence, the outcome of this lengthy legal battle highlights the challenges small businesses face when competing against industry giants and underscores the importance of fair competition in the digital marketplace.

Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple

Malaysian ex-leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

"In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Najib was facing seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty.

A scion of one of Malaysia's most prominent political families, he faces 42 charges in five separate trials and could face years in prison.

The current trial involved a charge of abuse of power, three charges of criminal breach of trust and three money laundering charges.

The judge said Najib failed to raise reasonable doubt and that prosecutors had established beyond reasonable doubt that Najib misappropriated money for his own use. 
 
High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power.

The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB.

Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Malaysian ex-leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. "In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Malaysian ex-leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. "In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court. Najib was facing seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty. A scion of one of Malaysia's most prominent political families, he faces 42 charges in five separate trials and could face years in prison. The current trial involved a charge of abuse of power, three charges of criminal breach of trust and three money laundering charges. The judge said Najib failed to raise reasonable doubt and that prosecutors had established beyond reasonable doubt that Najib misappropriated money for his own use. High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power. The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB. Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has failed to raise reasonable doubt over an abuse of power charge, a high court judge said on Tuesday, in the first trial linked to multi-billion-dollar corruption allegations at state fund 1MDB.

The judge did not immediately hand down a formal verdict and was still reading out his opinion on six other charges.

Najib faces seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty.

High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power.

The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB.

Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts.

The former premier arrived in court to shouts of "long live Najib" by hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside.

Wearing a mask and flanked by top leaders of his party, Najib offered prayers just outside the courtroom.

Najib`s lawyers say he was misled by Malaysian financier Jho Low and other 1MDB officials into believing that the funds banked into his accounts were donated by the Saudi royal family, rather than misappropriated from SRC as prosecutors have alleged. Low denies wrongdoing.

Allegations of corruption over 1MDB have hung over Najib for more than five years. But the criminal charges came only after his defeat in the 2018 election when his successor Mahathir Mohamad reopened investigations.

The closely-watched case is seen as a test of Malaysia`s efforts to root out corruption, after Najib`s party was returned to power in February as part of an alliance led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

The verdict could have far reaching political implications.

A guilty verdict could boost Muhyiddin`s credibility with the public, but weaken his coalition, which counts Najib`s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as its biggest component - and potentially trigger snap polls.

An acquittal could turn public sentiment against Muhyiddin, and encourage the opposition to challenge the ruling coalition`s two-seat majority in parliament.

The court`s decision comes just days after Malaysia reached a $3.9 billion deal with Goldman Sachs over its role in helping 1MDB raise money.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has failed to raise reasonable doubt over an abuse of power charge, a high court judge said on Tuesday, in the first trial linked to multi-billion-dollar corruption allegations at state fund 1MDB.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has failed to raise reasonable doubt over an abuse of power charge, a high court judge said on Tuesday, in the first trial linked to multi-billion-dollar corruption allegations at state fund 1MDB. The judge did not immediately hand down a formal verdict and was still reading out his opinion on six other charges. Najib faces seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty. High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power. The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB. Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts. The former premier arrived in court to shouts of "long live Najib" by hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside. Wearing a mask and flanked by top leaders of his party, Najib offered prayers just outside the courtroom. Najib`s lawyers say he was misled by Malaysian financier Jho Low and other 1MDB officials into believing that the funds banked into his accounts were donated by the Saudi royal family, rather than misappropriated from SRC as prosecutors have alleged. Low denies wrongdoing. Allegations of corruption over 1MDB have hung over Najib for more than five years. But the criminal charges came only after his defeat in the 2018 election when his successor Mahathir Mohamad reopened investigations. The closely-watched case is seen as a test of Malaysia`s efforts to root out corruption, after Najib`s party was returned to power in February as part of an alliance led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. The verdict could have far reaching political implications. A guilty verdict could boost Muhyiddin`s credibility with the public, but weaken his coalition, which counts Najib`s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as its biggest component - and potentially trigger snap polls. An acquittal could turn public sentiment against Muhyiddin, and encourage the opposition to challenge the ruling coalition`s two-seat majority in parliament. The court`s decision comes just days after Malaysia reached a $3.9 billion deal with Goldman Sachs over its role in helping 1MDB raise money.

Malaysia's Najib failed to 'raise reasonable doubt' on abuse of power charge: Judge

South Korean prosecutors on Tuesday sought a 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-hye who was ousted last year amid an influence-peddling scandal that rocked the country&#39;s business and political elite.

Park was dismissed in March after being impeached and is standing trial on charges of bribery, abuse of power and coercion. She denies wrongdoing.

Park Geun-hye is standing trial on charges of bribery, abuse of power and coercion

South Korean prosecutors on Tuesday sought a 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-hye who was ousted last year amid an influence-peddling scandal that rocked the country's business and political elite. Park was dismissed in March after being impeached and is standing trial on charges of bribery, abuse of power and coercion. She denies wrongdoing.

South Korean prosecutors seek 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-Hye

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Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple

Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power

Malaysia's Najib failed to 'raise reasonable doubt' on abuse of power charge: Judge

South Korean prosecutors seek 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-Hye