EU: YouTube probe not off the table

One week after a letter reportedly sent by European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia that hinted more Google probes could be coming, reports say the regulator publically acknowledged that even as a current case with the search giant is wrapping up, the company still faces possible competition investigations.

Almunia’s remarks follow the expected conclusion of a competition case over Google’s search practices and while additional complaints against the company continue to be filed.

In one of the most recent complaints, music trade group Impala asked the European Commission to examine Google-owned YouTube and its alleged anticompetitive contracts the video streaming service is forcing on smaller, independent music labels to participate in its new music streaming program.

”We are receiving more complaints, for instance the way Google leverages the search engine,” Almunia said at a conference this week. “YouTube, for instance, it’s another kind of activity where Google can also leverage their market power in search engine, and maybe this will give way to another investigation.”

Previous reports said a leaked memo sent by Almunia aimed to convince his fellow Commissioners that they should pass his proposed settlement with Google, because future investigations are likely on the way.

Full content: Reuters

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