Google said that this week it has not reached an agreement with hotels, airlines, and specialized search services such as Skyscanner over how it presents search results in Europe, raising the possibility of a large antitrust fine from the European Union.
At a workshop held by the European Commission on July 7 and 8, Google shared new proposals aimed at resolving charges that it gives unfair preference to its own services like Google Shopping, Google Hotels, and Google Flights. The workshop is likely the final step before the Commission decides if Google has met its obligations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
The law aims to limit the influence of large tech companies, with violations subject to penalties of up to 10 percent of a company’s global annual revenue.
Google presented two options at the event. Under both, vertical search services such as Skyscanner, Kelkoo, and Booking.com would be shown in a box at the top of the results page, while hotels, restaurants, and airlines would appear lower in the rankings.
Skyscanner said the proposals still need changes and warned that some features could mislead users and strengthen Google’s position in organic search.
Google’s lawyer Oliver Bethell wrote on LinkedIn that competing interests are pulling the company in different directions. He said feedback has been welcomed throughout the process but added that the debate must now conclude in a way that balances the interests of all users and businesses.
A lawyer representing some of Google’s rivals said the company is shifting focus toward disputes between suppliers and intermediaries instead of addressing the main issue, which is its past non-compliance.
Google said this week it has not reached an agreement with hotels, airlines, and specialized search services such as Skyscanner over how it presents search results in Europe, raising the possibility of a large antitrust fine from the European Union.
At a workshop held by the European Commission on July 7 and 8, Google shared new proposals aimed at resolving charges that it gives unfair preference to its own services like Google Shopping, Google Hotels, and Google Flights. The workshop is likely the final step before the Commission decides if Google has met its obligations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
The law aims to limit the influence of large tech companies, with violations subject to penalties of up to 10 percent of a company’s global annual revenue.
Google presented two options at the event. Under both, vertical search services such as Skyscanner, Kelkoo, and Booking.com would be shown in a box at the top of the results page, while hotels, restaurants, and airlines would appear lower in the rankings.
Skyscanner said the proposals still need changes and warned that some features could mislead users and strengthen Google’s position in organic search.
Google’s lawyer Oliver Bethell wrote on LinkedIn that competing interests are pulling the company in different directions. He said feedback has been welcomed throughout the process but added that the debate must now conclude in a way that balances the interests of all users and businesses.
A lawyer representing some of Google’s rivals said the company is shifting focus toward disputes between suppliers and intermediaries instead of addressing the main issue, which is its past non-compliance.
