Google is expected to face charges from the European Commission for breaching rules designed to rein in the power of Big Tech, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
The charges are reportedly linked to proposed changes to its search results that failed to satisfy the Commission’s concerns—and those of rival companies—over potential bias in favoring Google’s own vertical search engines such as Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels.
The European Commission, which has been investigating Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) since March last year, is said to be focusing on whether the tech giant discriminates against third-party services in its search results. If found in breach, Google could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
The impending charges come amid broader tensions between U.S. political leaders and European regulators. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly sided with American tech giants in their opposition to EU regulations, criticizing fines as a form of tariff. These remarks have fueled concerns that the European Commission might consider easing its scrutiny of Big Tech, though the investigation into Google appears to be moving forward.
In response to the growing regulatory pressure, Google referenced a December blog post by Oliver Bethell, its director for EMEA competition, saying the company is actively working with the Commission to find a balanced solution. Bethell warned that additional changes to its search result formats aimed at appeasing rivals could lead to the removal of some useful features.
The DMA-related investigation into Google is one of several ongoing probes by EU antitrust regulators, with separate, more advanced investigations reportedly targeting Apple and Meta Platforms. Another probe focuses on potential restrictions that may prevent app developers from informing users about offers outside the Google App Store at no cost.
The European Commission has declined to comment on the forthcoming charges, leaving industry observers to await further developments as the regulatory process unfolds.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called it “a disgrace” that Ukraine has resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries. Attacks are continui...
The U.S. has banned government employees working in Saudi Arabia from using airports in the country without special authorisation. It com...
France is preparing for a fresh wave of nationwide demonstrations this weekend as rising living costs, educatio...
The Saudi-led coalition said early Thursday that it intercepted and destroyed a drone over Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to pilot drones. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said the restrictions would make it harder for Kyiv's army to down Russian drones.
The U.S. has banned government employees working in Saudi Arabia from using airports in the country without special authorisation. It comes after a deadly Houthi strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed at least 13 people last week.
Ukraine is set to restart attacks on Russian oil refineries following a two-day pause, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, amid growing tensions with Washington over energy strikes and U.S. military support.
Satellite restrictions affecting Ukraine's military have put SpaceX's Starshield network under scrutiny, raising questions about who controls the technology and who can restrict its use during wartime.
More than three centuries after the dodo disappeared from Mauritius, efforts to bring the iconic bird back from extinction are taking a new step forward.
Hackers forced the temperature of fridges and freezers in hundreds of French supermarkets up to 50 degrees Celsius overnight, causing fires and food losses in what the Paris Prosecutor’s Office described as a “large-scale” attack.
A software engineer employed by OpenAI has been arrested and charged by U.S. authorities after investigators alleged he secretly placed a concealed recording device inside an executive conference room at the artificial intelligence company.
NASA's Perseverance rover has set a new driving record on Mars, travelling 45.2 kilometres since landing in 2021 and surpassing every other robotic vehicle to explore a world beyond Earth, the U.S. space agency said on Tuesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment