There EU Commission has launched an investigation into potential violations of European law digital market (DMA) by Google which will lower the ranking of the media publisher’s content in search results. The EU executive said this in a note.
If the Commission finds evidence of non-compliance, it will inform you Alphabet preliminary conclusions and will explain the steps that Alphabet intends to take or must take to respond to the critical issues identified. The executive aims to complete the investigation within 12 months. Google took a risk sanctions up to 10% of its worldwide turnover and up to 20% in case of repeat infringement.
EU opens investigation into Google
This legal proceeding aims to evaluate whether Google applies fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms for access to publisher websites in Google searches, an obligation established by the DMA. Brussels also took note of Mountain View’s “site reputation abuse policy” aimed at combating practices allegedly aimed at manipulating positions in search results.
The Commission’s monitoring work has highlighted that Google, under this policy, downranks websites and content from other media and publishers in search results when those websites include content from business partners.
The consequences according to the EU
This policy, Palazzo Berlaymont notes, appears to have a direct impact on the common and legal way for publishers to monetize their websites and content.
Therefore, the Commission is evaluating whether Alphabet’s downgrading of publishers’ websites and content in Google searches could impact publishers’ freedom to conduct legitimate businesses, innovate and collaborate with third-party content providers. Initiation of the procedure did not reduce the assessment of noncompliance. In the event of a violation, the Commission can impose a fine of up to 10% of the company’s total worldwide turnover and up to 20% in case of repeat violations. If systematic violations occur, the Commission may also take additional remedial action, such as requiring the gatekeeper to sell the business or part thereof, or prohibiting it from obtaining additional services related to systemic non-compliance.
