A PYMNTS Company

EU: Almunia offers stern update on drawn-out Google case

By  |  November 19, 2013
EU: Almunia offers stern update on drawn-out Google case

In fighting criticism from some of Google’s biggest rivals, European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia offered an interview this week to assure that he is investigating the search giant and its second round of concessions, responding to companies accusing Almunia of a lenient dealing of the case.

    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.

    Almunia gave an exclusive interview with UK paper The Guardian to offer an update of the investigation, which began in 2010 to probe allegations that Google is abusing its dominance in the way it displays search results.

    Since the start of that investigation, Google has offered two rounds of concessions; the first was rejected by the Commission, but both were slammed by Google rivals as inadequate.

    Now, critics claim the investigation has gone on too long, and that Almunia is too lenient with Google, allowing the company – which escaped major sanctions by US authorities in a similar case earlier this year – to dictate the advancement of the probe.

    In an interview, Almunia told a reporter “sharply” that he is “investigating” Google, “not defending them.”

    The Commissioner offered an updated timeline of the potential completion of the case, saying a decision may not be reached until the “first part” of 2014, though did not declare a more definitive deadline.

    Full Content: The Guardian

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