Google Reacts to Antitrust Investigations Opened by EC

As previously, the European Commission has officially declared a “Statement of Objections” against Google on its comparison shopping service, and has also suggested to start a separate formal investigation on Android. Now, Google has come up with response on the issue and concerns of EU.

The Commission concludes that google has abused its dominant market position with regards to general internet search services in Europe, specifically when it comes to favoring its own comparison shopping products on search results. EC also added that it is actually the violation of European antitrust regulations, consequently harming European consumers and damaging competition in the whole sector.

Margrethe Vestager, the EU Commissioner of competition policy, is concerned about Google abusing its dominant market position and said:

[pull_quote_center]“The Commission’s objective is to apply EU antitrust rules to ensure that companies operating in Europe, wherever they may be based, do not artificially deny European consumers as wide a choice as possible or stifle innovation. In the case of Google I am concerned that the company has given an unfair advantage to its own comparison shopping service, in breach of EU antitrust rules. Google now has the opportunity to convince the Commission to the contrary. However, if the investigation confirmed our concerns, Google would have to face the legal consequences and change the way it does business in Europe.”[/pull_quote_center]

Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer, VP of Engineering for Android, responded to the EC by highlighting the positive impact Android is having the world over:

[pull_quote_center]“The European Commission has asked questions about our partner agreements. It’s important to remember that these are voluntary – again, you can use Android without Google – but provide real benefits to Android users, developers and the broader ecosystem.”[/pull_quote_center]

He also said:

[pull_quote_center]“We are thankful for Android’s success and we understand that with success comes scrutiny. But it’s not just Google that has benefited from Android’s success.  The Android model has let manufacturers compete on their unique innovations. Developers can reach huge audiences and build strong businesses. And consumers now have unprecedented choice at ever-lower prices.  We look forward to discussing these issues in more detail with the European Commission over the months ahead.”[/pull_quote_center]

It seems that Google is more than ready to roll up its sleeves and that’s why it has responded so quickly on the issue.