graeme_p - 5:10 am on Feb 3, 2012 (gmt 0)

I think the reason the fine is so small is because it does not apply to Google maps as a whole. The story says:

for providing free web mapping services to some businesses.

So it does not apply to consumer use of Google maps, and probably only to some business use of Google maps, and presumably only in France.

Exactly what was deemed unfair competition is not explained. It is probably something like allowing other sites to embed Google Maps.

@incredibill, why do competitors HAVE to use Adsense? I would have thought that anyone with the resources to compete effectively in maps is likely to be able to sell ads directly to some markets, and to do good deals with other networks in others.