Google and antitrust: The European Commission puts the ball into Google's court
Posted in: Government & Policy at 27/05/2012 14:48
Joaquín Almunia has been in no rush. It is more than two years since Google's competitors started complaining to him about the giant online-search company. Eighteen months ago Mr Almunia, the European Union's competition commissioner, began a formal investigation. Several times a decision has seemed imminent. On May 21st Mr Almunia said he wanted to get a move on. "I believe", he said, "that these fast-moving markets would particularly benefit from a quick resolution."
Mr Almunia did not present a formal case (a "statement of objections" in Eurospeak), but offered Google a chance to settle. He has four main areas of concern, and wants the company to propose remedies to each "in a matter of weeks". If he is not satisfied, the formalities will resume. Then he will impose his own answers and maybe a fine, too.
http://www.economist.com/node/21555910
