Google to face EC charges on abuse of search market position

Nieuws Breedband Europa 15 APR 2015
Google to face EC charges on abuse of search market position
The European Commission is going ahead with charging Google with abuse of its dominant position in the search market, as well as launching a formal investigation into Google's Android operating system. According to the Financial Times, the formal charges over the search market will be presented 15 April, and the Android investigation will be announced at the same time. 

The initial charge will focus on product searches where Google is accused of harming other shopping sites, but could be extended to other areas. Google confirmed the imminent news in an internal email sent to staff 14 April, a copy of which was obtained by the Financial Times. The company said it has "a very strong case, with especially good arguments when it comes to better services for consumers and increased competition". 

The Android investigation will reportedly focus on whether Google imposes uncompetitive terms on handset makers that ultimately favour its own apps such as YouTube. Google rejects any allegations of wrongdoing and said Android is an open platform distributed free.

Categories:

Internet,  Mobiel

Companies:

European Commission,  Google,  YouTube

Regions:

Europa

Tags:

Data services, IT - applications, Portals / social media, Information services, Handsets, Advertising services, Legislation - Lawsuits, Market research

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