For the past several months, there has been a steady drumbeat of reports that the EU was preparing to fine Google for alleged search market abuses. The drumbeat is getting louder, and reportedly the fine will be around one billion euros ($1.17 billion). The EU has authority to fine the company up to 10 percent of its gross earnings — or something approaching $9 billion. Why it’s a billion and not some other amount is unclear; there doesn’t appear to be a formula. Rather, the amount is a “big number” that will get attention and be sufficiently punitive. This fine is being imposed for Google’s alleged abuses in shopping search. The original EU Statement of Objections (antitrust charges) claims, among other things, that:
The case is a template of sorts for other areas in search that similarly show Google results at the top of the page (e.g., Maps/Local). In addition, it’s the first of three active antitrust matters being pursued by the EU against the company. The other two involve exclusivity provisions in Google AdWords agreements and Android-OEM contracts, which carry similar potential fines. Google has vigorously argued in contrast that its practices benefit consumers:
Google and the EU had worked for some time a few years ago to settle the case, and more than one tentative settlement was reached. However, former European Commission competition czar Joaquín Almunia was not able to win approval for the negotiated agreements. His successor, Margrethe Vestager, has been much tougher. Assuming the fine is imposed, Google will likely appeal to the European Court of Justice. The post EU sources say $1.17 billion antitrust fine against Google coming in weeks appeared first on Search Engine Land. via Search Engine Land http://ift.tt/2s9aX7V
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