EU: Despite heavy backlash, Almunia won’t back down from Google choice

European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia was on the defensive to MEPs this week as he justified his decision to settle with Google after a three-year investigation into the company’s search practices, say reports.

Almunia does not appear to be backing down from the settlement, despite receiving heavy criticism from fellow Commissioners, consumer groups and Google rivals over the deal.

Seven months after Almunia signaled an end to the case, reports say the competition watchdog has sent a note to MEPs that told lawmakers “Google has made far-reaching concessions as to the presentation of rivals on its page.”

Reports also say that the Commission is set to send pre-rejection letters to companies that filed complaints against Google with authorities; 18 companies filed such complaints, including Microsoft.

Google has been under watch by EU regulators and competition watchdogs throughout the globe for the way the company displays rivals’ search results, among other practices, with concern raised over allegations the company is abusing its dominant online search market position. A similar case also lead to a settlement between US authorities and Google; the company is now under scrutiny from the Competition Commission of India and is facing a fine of up to $5 billion as reports note that Google does not have the option to settle under Indian law in this case.

Full Content: Euractiv

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