Belgium opens antitrust probe into Google’s ad practices, citing market abuse concerns.

Belgium’s competition authority has launched a formal antitrust investigation into Google’s online advertising practices, citing "serious indications" the company may be abusing its dominant market position. The probe, initiated on February 27, 2026, focuses on whether Google’s role across multiple layers of the digital ad ecosystem—such as selling ad space and providing advertising services—distorts competition or inflates prices. The investigation follows complaints from market participants and adds to a series of EU antitrust actions against Google, which has previously been fined billions for similar violations. The outcome remains uncertain, but the probe signals continued regulatory scrutiny of major tech firms’ influence in digital markets.