A PYMNTS Company

EU: Still on the defensive, Almunia downplays Google critics

By  |  March 19, 2014

European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia continued to defend his decision to settle with Google and end a three-year investigation into the company’s search practices as he shot down critics’ claims about the settlement at the European Parliament’s economic affairs committee.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    According to reports, Almunia promised that Google will not profit from the agreement made with the Commission. “I do not agree with those saying that Google will earn more” from the settlement, he told MEPs.

    Among the offered concessions by the US search giant includes space to promote rivals’ search results, in addition to its own promoted content. But critics argue that that space for competitors is simply another revenue source for the company.

    One study found that Google would make $330 million more a year from just the hotel and flight industries with the new promotional spots, say reports.

    But Almunia has downplayed criticism despite backlash. His decision to settle with Google has sparked a fury of backlash in recent weeks as some say the sanctions do not go far enough to reign-in Google’s market dominance.

    Full Content: Euractiv

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.