Google Gives More In EU Antitrust Case To Avoid Fines

Google has been facing some serious heat in Europe with the European Commission investigating the Internet giant over allegations that it was preventing competition within the market. The investigation was specifically looking into concerns that Google is blocking competitors, such as Microsoft, when it comes to search results returned online. The investigation has been ongoing for the last three years.

The European Commission said today that Google has offered additional concessions in an attempt to end the years long investigation and avoid a potential fine of up to $5 billion. A Google spokesperson said:

Our proposal to the European Commission addresses their four areas of concern. We continue to work with the Commission to settle this case.

The major concession that Google is offering to help in the investigation is an effort to highlight services from rival products and its Internet search results. Google is also proposing to provide links to at least three competing search engines and efforts to make it easier for advertisers to transfer advertising campaigns on arrival platforms.

Some competitors still believe that Google's offer is inadequate and would enforce Google's dominance in Europe. Metrics firm comScore shows Google has 80% of the search market in Europe at this time. Along with allegations that Google was blocking competitors, the European Commission also said that Google was copying travel and restaurant reviews key sites without permission.

SOURCE: Reuters