EU: Still on the defensive, Almunia downplays Google critics

European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia continued to defend his decision to settle with Google and end a three-year investigation into the company’s search practices as he shot down critics’ claims about the settlement at the European Parliament’s economic affairs committee.

According to reports, Almunia promised that Google will not profit from the agreement made with the Commission. “I do not agree with those saying that Google will earn more” from the settlement, he told MEPs.

Among the offered concessions by the US search giant includes space to promote rivals’ search results, in addition to its own promoted content. But critics argue that that space for competitors is simply another revenue source for the company.

One study found that Google would make $330 million more a year from just the hotel and flight industries with the new promotional spots, say reports.

But Almunia has downplayed criticism despite backlash. His decision to settle with Google has sparked a fury of backlash in recent weeks as some say the sanctions do not go far enough to reign-in Google’s market dominance.

Full Content: Euractiv

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