Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Google has suffered a significant setback in its high-stakes legal battle with the European Union, as a top court adviser has sided with regulators who accuse the tech giant of illegally crushing competition in its lucrative digital advertising business.The opinion, delivered by Juliane Kokott, an adviser to the EU’s highest court, supports the European Commission’s argument that Google is abusing its dominant position in the “ad tech” market. This is the vast and complex ecosystem that publishers use to sell advertising space on their websites and that advertisers use to buy it.At the heart of the case is the accusation of “self-preferencing.” Regulators claim that Google, which operates on all sides of the ad-buying transaction, unfairly favors its own services—like Google Ads and Ad Manager—over those of its rivals. In simple terms, the EU believes Google is acting as both the player and the referee in the online advertising game, rigging it to ensure its own team always wins.While the adviser’s opinion is not a final, legally binding verdict, it is a powerful recommendation that the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) often follows in its final rulings. Kokott’s backing strengthens the EU’s case significantly, making it more likely that the court will rule against Google.The stakes could not be higher. If the court ultimately sides with the Commission, Google could face a massive fine of up to 10% of its global annual turnover. Even more damaging, regulators could demand “structural remedies,” potentially forcing Google to sell off parts of its ad tech business to restore fair competition in the market.This opinion marks a critical moment in one of the most important antitrust battles in the world. All eyes are now on the final judgment from the CJEU, which will determine the future of Google’s multi-billion dollar advertising empire in Europe.