EU: Google settlement could be headed towards collapse

As EU officials work on a third round of revisions on the proposed settlement with Google, reports say chances for an agreement continue to dwindle.

European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia has faced significant criticism by Google rivals, consumer advocates and even fellow Commissioners for his plans to approve of a settlement offered by Google to end years of an antitrust dispute over how Google displays its own and rivals’ search results.

After rejections, Google has offered to feature links from rival services in prominent spots in its search results. Almunia has signaled that he is steadfast on approving the offer and closing the case before he exits the position later this year.

Even with the case settled, Almunia assured, Google would continue to face significant antitrust scrutiny and investigations by the European Commission.

But reports suggest that the settlement could be collapsing as Almunia has still not officiated the deal.

The latest challenge to the settlement comes from a group of publishers across the EU. Challengers are now calling on Almunia to either force harsher terms on the settlement, or leave the matter to be resolved by his successor.

Almunia is set to leave his post in November. Reports say his replacement will likely take a more critical stance against Google.

Full content: NYTimes

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