Brussels launches formal Google probe

Author (Person)
Series Title
Series Details 1.12.10
Publication Date 01/12/2010
Content Type

The European Commission European competition authorities have opened a full investigation into Google on the 30 November 2010 after allegations from smaller online search service providers that the US company had abused its dominant market position.

The European Commission has decided to open an antitrust investigation into allegations that Google Inc. has abused a dominant position in online search, in violation of European Union rules (Article 102 TFEU). The opening of formal proceedings follows complaints by search service providers about unfavourable treatment of their services in Google's unpaid and sponsored search results coupled with an alleged preferential placement of Google's own services. This initiation of proceedings does not imply that the Commission has proof of any infringements. It only signifies that the Commission will conduct an in-depth investigation of the case as a matter of priority.

Related Links
Spiegel Online International, 30.11.10: EU Launches Anti-Trust Investigation against Google http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,732050,00.html
EurActiv, 30.11.10: EU launches Google anti-trust probe http://www.euractiv.com/infosociety/eu-launches-google-anti-trust-pr-news-500146
European Commission: Press Release, IP/10/1624: Antitrust: Commission probes allegations of antitrust violations by Google http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/1624&format=PDF&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
BBC News, 30.11.10: EU launches antitrust probe into alleged Google abuses http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11876443
Deutsche Welle, 30.11.10: European Commission opens antitrust probe against Google http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6280491,00.html
France24, 30.11.10: EU opens Google antitrust probe on rivals’ complaints http://www.france24.com/en/20101130-eu-google-antitrust-probe-internet-advertising-usa-business
Google: European Public Policy Blog, 30.11.10: Our thoughts on the European Commission review http://googlepolicyeurope.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-thoughts-on-european-commission.html
ESO: Background information: Microsoft in spotlight over Google case http://www.europeansources.info/record/microsoft-in-spotlight-over-google-case/
La Tribune, 1.12.10: Google under investigation (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief-cover/411581-google-under-investigation

Subject Categories
Countries / Regions