Google defends itself against EU competition allegations
The IT giant is taking a confrontational stance against the European Commission in the long-running European antitrust case. Contrary to the allegations made by the Brussels antitrust regulators, Google claims that it actually provides European consumers with more choice.
The company explained this in a blog post on Thursday. In the dispute with Google, the prominently placed hits from the Google Shopping price search engine are a particular thorn in the side of the EU Commission. In April, the Commission formally accused Google of favoring its own shopping service with links to online retailers in the search engine. Competing price search engines would be disadvantaged as a result.
In competition proceedings, penalties of up to ten percent of annual turnover - Google generated revenue of 66 billion dollars in 2014 - are the ultimate consequence.
After two deadline extensions, Google had until August 31 to respond to the allegations. The company has now done so: data shows that many users accessed the price search engines via Google. In addition, the Commission had not taken into account the influence of trading platforms such as Amazon and eBay on the competitive situation.
Google categorically rejected the Commission's proposal to cede advertising space on its website to competing shopping search engines. Consumers would see less relevant advertising as a result - and the Commission also recognizes that Google is not obliged to do so. (SDA/uma)
