UPDATE: Russian antitrust fines Google with 438 mln rbl, talks continue

(Adds details on talks, comments from Google in last four paragraphs)

MOSCOW, Aug 11 (PRIME) -- Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service has imposed a 438 million ruble fine on Google for violation on the market of preinstalled mobile applications, the authority said Thursday on its Web site.

“We hope the company will respect our decision and pay the fine soon,” Deputy Director Alexei Dotsenko told reporters.

The antirust watchdog found Google guilty in September 2015 of abusing its dominant position within an inquiry initiated by Internet giant Yandex. The U.S. giant appealed against the decision, and a court hearing is now set for August 16.

“An amicable agreement with Google, regardless of the fine decision, is still under discussion,” a spokesperson for the authority said. If signed, the agreement will put an end to court hearings, but will not cut the amount of penalty.

“Google must pay the fine during 60 days after the decision comes into force.”

The U.S. company will study the service’s decision and will then decide on its further steps, a spokesperson for the company said.

“We’ve received the fine notification from the Federal Antimonopoly Service. We will read it attentively prior to making any decisions. At the same time, we are still cooperating with all the parties involved and are speaking about wide opportunities which Android gives to its users, developers and producers of devices in Russia,” the spokesperson said.

(64.8137 rubles – U.S. $1)

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