Several European and American media continue to comment on the EU’s decision to charge the Internet research giant Google of abusing its dominance. On Wednesday European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager explained that there are two investigations into the search engine, one for abuse of dominant position, and the other against the Google’s Android system.
The INYT quotes Ms Vestager stating: “If the investigation confirmed our concerns, Google would have to face the legal consequences and change the way it does business in Europe.” In an interview with CNBC, the Commissioner claimed that “a certain number of companies who complained about Google are American, but more companies are European. So you find both and you find the people that complain being sort of direct and also very balanced.”
In an interview with NPR, she recalls that Google has been “systematically” favouring its own services in searches. La Repubblica reports that Margrethe Vestager will meet with several officials from the US anti-trust authority and from the Congress to discuss the infringement procedure against Google. MDK refers to MEP Kaja Kallas stating that the EC lacks the necessary capabilities to investigate Google’s supposed misbehaviour.
The INYT writes that while the charges against Google could well lead to a significant fine, previous cases suggest that it is unlikely to have any meaningful impact, as rapidly changing technology is more successful in diluting a company’s dominance. While Der Tagesspiegel and Le Monde welcome the European Commission’s decision to employ strong-arm tactics with Google, stating that this will put the EU in a stronger position to negotiate with Google and other powerful firms in the future.
The two dailies comment that the EU will now have to pass the directive on personal data protection and make a priority of digital development so as to favour the birth of European Internet giants. Mr Honda, a US congressman since 2000, rallied to Google’s defence: “I’m concerned by the EU’s filing of antitrust charges against Google. Silicon Valley has produced some of the most innovative and life-changing technologies in human history,” “Google has earned its position as one of the leading search engines through high quality service and innovation,” the Financial Times reports.
Olivier Robillart claims in La Première that despite the fact that Google clearly uses its position to eliminate its competition, the place that the Internet giant will leave, should Europe win, is very limited to its competitors due to the fact that its business model is based on its own services. In a comment piece for The Guardian, James Ball writes that “there’s no indication that the EU will win,” and that if it doesn’t, “few other competition authorities will want to take on the company, and they may even be deterred from pursuing other internet behemoths.”
European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager is getting a lot of press coverage in Europe and US. Several European media comment on her decision, complimenting her. Unlike to her predecessor Joaquín Almunia, who appeared reluctant to file a formal “statement of objections” after years of failing to reach a settlement with Google Ms Vestager had the courage to increase pressure on Google, The Washington Post and Le Monde write.
FAZ and Handelsblatt describes Ms Vestager as the “typical Scandinavian:” open, unpretentious, highly competent, and with an “iron will.” She will be a “tough enemy” for Google, Handelsblatt reports. According to Politiken, it is impressive that Vestager, who has held the position of Commissioner for less than a year, has dared to take on Google. According to Le Monde, Mrs Vestager is always concerned with the consumers’ best interest. Nevertheless, commentator Christopher Arzrouni writes in Børsen that Ms Vestager should be spending her time on more important matters as Google obtained its dominance through “happy users.” ©europeanunion2015
