By Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS, March 16 (Reuters) – European publishers, tech firms and startups have urged EU antitrust regulators to wrap up a nearly two-year probe into Google’s alleged favouring of its own services in online searches and impose a fine on the U.S. tech giant.
In a letter to EU leaders, the European Publishers Council – whose members include Axel Springer, News Corp and Conde Nast – the European Magazine Media Association, the European Tech Alliance, EU Travel Tech and others called for the investigation to be finished next week.
The push underscores tensions within the bloc over the complex balance of regulating Big Tech, with regular clashes between Washington and Brussels over rules curbing the dominance of U.S. companies in social media, online search and AI.
‘CREDIBILITY ON THE LINE’
The investigation into Alphabet’s unit was launched by the European Commission on March 25, 2024 under the European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA).
EU regulators have said they aim to wrap up DMA cases within 12 months. The Commission announced charges last year.
Google denies favouring its own services in online searches.
“The European Commission’s credibility is on the line,” the groups representing publishers, tech companies and startups said in a joint letter sent on Sunday to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen.
“It is important that sustained pressure to dilute the DMA is not shown to have succeeded,” it said.
“Every passing day further erodes the profitability of European companies, hampering their ability to invest and grow, with many already facing financial distress or even bankruptcy under the weight of Alphabet’s conduct.”
The European Commission confirmed receipt of the letter.
“The Commission aims to conclude this complex investigation as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson said.
RIVALS SAY PROPOSED REMEDIES ARE INSUFFICIENT
Google said on Monday it had already made changes to mollify rivals and EU regulators since it was charged even though these were not to its liking.
“We are keen to bring this investigation to a close so we can get back to developing innovative products for our users,” a spokesperson said.
“The changes we’ve already made to Search under the DMA represent the biggest downgrade in the product’s history, creating a second-rate experience for Europeans to the benefit of a few self-interested complainants.”
Google’s rivals say that the measures are insufficient.
The groups – which include the Initiative for Neutral Search, Innovative Europe Foundation and the German Startup Association – urged the Commission, which acts as the EU competition watchdog, to adopt a formal non-compliance decision against Alphabet – including a cease-and-desist order – and impose a deterrent fine.
(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Adam Jourdan, Jan Harvey and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
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