Close but no cigar: EU says Google can do better in concessions

Google office
Google could face $5 billion in fines

Google is in hot water in Europe for allegedly blocking competitors' services and products in search engine results, and the European Competition Commission isn't happy with the company's latest proposal to fix its antitrust problem.

European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia today responded in a press conference to Google's proposed concessions, which were submitted in April.

He said the proposals "are not enough to overcome our concerns," and that Google needs to do better.

He didn't set a deadline, but he did say previously that he hopes to have the case wrapped up by the end of summer.

Do better, Google!

Google proposed concessions include clearly delineating its own products in search results and including links to at least three competitors' sites, as well as making it easier for advertisers to switch to Google's rivals, reported Reuters.

But the European Commission and Google's competitors, including lobbying groups, agree that Google can do more.

Those lobbying groups are reportedly pressuring the Commission to penalize Google if it fails to offer better concessions.

Google, which research firm comScore says makes up 80 percent of the European search engine market, reportedly faces up to $5 billion (£3.27B, AU$5.4B) in fines if it doesn't get its act together.

A Google spokesperson reportedly told Reuters that the company will continue to work with the EU competition authority. TechRadar asked Google to provide some insight into the situation, and we'll update this story when we receive it.

  • The search giant was forced by the Federal Trade Commission to make some concessions in the U.S. as well last year.
Michael Rougeau

Michael Rougeau is a former freelance news writer for TechRadar. Studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Northeastern University, Michael has bylines at Kotaku, 1UP, G4, Complex Magazine, Digital Trends, GamesRadar, GameSpot, IFC, Animal New York, @Gamer, Inside the Magic, Comic Book Resources, Zap2It, TabTimes, GameZone, Cheat Code Central, Gameshark, Gameranx, The Industry, Debonair Mag, Kombo, and others.


Micheal also spent time as the Games Editor for Playboy.com, and was the managing editor at GameSpot before becoming an Animal Care Manager for Wags and Walks.