EU: Publishers once again ramp up calls for Google settlement rejection

Various print and online publishers throughout the EU are calling on the European Commission to reject Google’s settlement proposal that would end a longstanding dispute over the way Google displays search results.

In a public letter published Thursday, the group of publishers argued that “accepting these commitments would inflict additional harm to competition, innovation and consumer choice as they are based on an ineffective and harmful concept. They will secure Google dominance in any market it whishes to enter and legalize its anticompetitive conduct.”

The letter is signed by more than 30 associations of newspaper, online and magazine publishers, reports say.

Google has been under investigation by the Commission since 2010 following complaints that Google unfairly favors its own businesses in search results over rivals’ services. European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia has earned significant criticism over the last year since unofficially approving Google’s concessions to end the investigation.

Last June, Almunia sent Google complainants a letter outlining why the commitments will be accepted. Some believe that Almunia is looking to close the Google case before his term ends later this year.

Now, however, companies have risen further criticism against the Google settlement, and Almunia has hinted that he may rethink the concessions once more.

Full content: PC World

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