European Newspaper and Magazine Publishers call for thorough scrutiny of the proposed remedies in Google competition inquiry

Newspaper and magazine publishers have repeatedly expressed their concerns about Google's activities in the online search and advertising markets, including its preferential treatment of its own content over that of third parties. It is essential that the commitments, offered this week by Google to the European Commission, bring an end to the manipulation of search results which threaten to turn the open Internet into a closed Google Shop.

Given Google’s pan-European market share of 94% in search, it is crucial that any remedies imposed on Google leave no loopholes for circumvention and safeguard the open Internet to the benefit of free markets, businesses and consumers alike.

“It is vital that the European Commission ensures a complete and sustainable resolution of all concerns that have been identified in the past regarding Google’s dominant position in search”, says EMMA President David Hanger.

ENPA President, Ivar Rusdal, said: “We now rely on European Commission Vice-President Almunia to ensure that discussions on the remedies offered by Google take place as a matter of urgency, involving all parties concerned, with the aim of achieving a real and binding solution to the serious concerns raised by publishers.”

In order to ensure that any commitments offered by Google provide full redress for the damage caused, they should be thoroughly scrutinised and discussed in an open and transparent procedure not only by the Commission but also by third-parties. Any failure to do so will likely have grave consequences for competition, innovation and consumer choice.

Many members of EMMA are actively involved in competition complaints against Google, as they are convinced that Google's behaviour threatens fair competition in online markets across Europe.

For further information contact:

Max von Abendroth
EMMA Executive Director

max.abendroth@magazinemedia.eu

+32 2 536 06 04