The alleged abuse of dominance by Google is one of the European Commission’s highest profile ongoing antitrust cases. The investigation started in 2010. Concerns have been raised that Google manipulates its search algorithm to suppress the results of its competitors, while unfairly promoting its own services – a practice known as “search bias.” Google and the European Commission are currently working on a settlement entailing remedies that could address the Commission’s concerns.
Ms Vestager, the new EU Competition Commissioner is expected to take a decision soon. In parallel, a general discussion around the need to regulate internet platforms such as Google, Ebay, Facebook, Apple, Linkdln, Amazon, Uber, Airbnb etc. developed in Europe. In November 2014, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling the Commission to closely monitor the competitive conditions of online search market and to consider proposals “aimed at unbundling search engines from other commercial services”. Calls for action at EU level to ensure ‘platform neutrality’ is also coming from a number of concerned Member States and European companies.
Is Google infringing EU antitrust laws?
If yes, what remedies can be envisaged to address those antitrust concerns?
More generally, is there a need for regulating internet platforms in Europe?
If yes, how can regulation guarantee higher user protection while maintaining incentives to innovate?
Speakers from the European Parliament, academia and business will bring their different perspectives to the table. A substantial part of the debate will be dedicated to Q&A with the floor.
Please note that this event was held under the Chatham House Rule: guests can share information and ideas which they heard at the event, but not reveal the identity or affiliation of the speaker.
Following the announcement that Alphabet (Google) will appeal the European Commission's ruling on the competition case against its Android mobile operating system, the authors here assess Google's compliance while its appeal is pending as well as the likelihood of a net positive outcome for societal welfare.