Google given fresh EU ultimatum over searches
Google must make more concessions to rivals in the way it presents search results if it is to avoid formal charges and hefty fines, the EU's antitrust enforcer has warned.
The latest ultimatum from Joaquín Almunia, the EU's competition commissioner, pushes Google to revise a proposed settlement widely attacked by groups complaining about the US search engine's dominance.
Yet those involved in the talks expect any revisions to fit within the broad outlines of the draft deal, which requires Google to list more of its competitors' services, rather than comprehensively rewrite the terms to achieve a more radical outcome.
"I concluded that the proposals that Google sent to us months ago are not enough to overcome our concerns," Mr Almunia said.
Hardline opponents of the proposed settlement are pushing for Google to treat its own products with the same algorithm that it applies to its rivals, or to spin off its search business entirely.
Mr Almunia makes clear that if the settlement talks fail, the commission will be ready to serve the US group with formal antitrust charges, starting a long and difficult process that could end in fines and private damages claims.
Alex Barker
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