EU on GOOGLE: Anti-monopoly probe on its dominant position

Google is facing a preliminary anti-monopoly probe by the European Commission on its dominant position in online browsing and digital advertising. The inquiry seeks allegations whether Google is demoting the ranking (and therefore the visibility) of competing websites in the results of the searches made by customers, whether it unlawfully asks to the web sites to accept its exclusive advertisement, and whether it unfairly provides for the advertisement fees for its clients. It has to be underlined that the Commission's investigation is only at a tentative stage, so at the moment there is no evidence of infraction. This inquiry is so important considering also that Google is spreading in Europe, signing deals in the IP field, especially for videos and music. Google risks to be condemned to pay a significant fine up to 10% of its turnover.


12/13/2010 | Internet