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EU: Google publishes full settlement offer

By  |  February 14, 2014

In what reports are calling an “unusual” decision, Google has published its concessions offer online, revealing the settlement proposed that was accepted by European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia to end a three year investigation into the company’s search practices.

The move comes as European Commissioners voice their opposition to Almunia’s approval of the concessions without a market test of the offer.

Two previous offers by Google were rejected by the Commission following market tests.

According to reports, Google likely decided to publish its offer to boost transparency and appease rivals who claim an offer cannot be cleared without testing it first.

In the document, Google outlines how its search results will be altered to display rival results, changes to its advertising, and an agreement to “appoint one or more natural or legal person(s)…who is/are subject to prior written approval by the Commission, to monitor Google’s compliance with the duties and obligations set out in these Commitments.”

Full Content: Google Docs

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