G<\/span>oogle develops the software and gives it away for free, but binds phone makers to strict conditions that ensure the vast majority of Android phones come loaded with Google\u2019s own apps including its dominant search service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n M<\/span>s Vestager accused Google of using Android as a \u201cvehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThese practices have denied rivals the chance to innovate and compete on the merits. They have denied European consumers the benefits of effective competition in the important mobile sphere\u201d, she said.<\/p>\n Ms Vestager, who has also demanded that Amazon, Apple and Facebook pay fines or unpaid taxes in recent years, denied that Brussels was targeting US companies. \u201cI very much like the US,\u201d she insisted. \u201cThis has nothing to do with how I feel. Nothing whatsoever\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n B<\/span>ut France applauded the fine, calling it an \u201cexcellent decision\u201d. A French government spokesman said: \u201cNo-one is above the laws that have been laid down in common for all.\u201d<\/p>\n The EU has fought an eight-year battle with Google that has resulted in two major fines for the company, with one investigation still open.\u00a0Last year it ordered the company to pay \u20ac2.4bn\u00a0for using the dominance of its search engine to promote its internet shopping service. A third case, into the company\u2019s online advertising network, is expected to result in another financial penalty.