London. Google successfully overturned a €1.49 billion European Union antitrust fine on Wednesday, which was imposed five years ago over its online advertising business.

The EU's General Court annulled the 2019 fine issued by the European Commission, the EU's top antitrust regulator. "The General Court annuls the Commission's decision in its entirety," the court said in a statement.

The penalty related to a specific part of Google's ad business, involving ads placed next to Google search results on third-party websites. Regulators had accused Google of including exclusivity clauses in contracts that prevented these websites from displaying ads from rival companies. The commission argued this limited choice for advertisers and website owners, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers.

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However, the General Court ruled that the commission made errors in assessing these clauses and failed to prove that Google's contracts stifled innovation, harmed consumers, or strengthened its dominance in online search advertising.

The ruling can be appealed to the Court of Justice, the EU's highest court, but only on legal grounds.

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