EU regulators to gather feedback on Google’s compliance proposals to avoid charges

Google's tech rules review: European Union antitrust regulators are set to gather feedback next week on Google’s proposals to adhere to new tech rules designed to foster fair competition.

The European Commission initiated an investigation in March to assess whether Google prioritises its own vertical search services, such as Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels, over those of its competitors.

Google under scrutiny for bias

The probe also examines whether Google unfairly disadvantages third-party services in its search results.

This investigation follows complaints from rivals, including comparison shopping sites, which argue that Alphabet's Google has not fully complied with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA is intended to curb the influence of Big Tech and establish a more level playing field for smaller competitors.

In response to criticism from comparison shopping sites, Google has put forward proposals to address these concerns. The company has suggested creating a separate box for rivals' listings beneath its own product ads in search results. Additionally, Google has proposed displaying two adjacent boxes—one for intermediaries and another for direct suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, and retailers.

Workshops set for Google compliance feedback

The European Commission will host workshops from September 9 to 11 to solicit feedback on Google’s proposals. These workshops will involve a variety of third parties, although Google has not been invited to participate.

"The workshops in September are focused on Alphabet's compliance with Article 6.5 DMA on self-preferencing and involve multiple third parties," the EU competition authority stated in an email.

"Over the past year, we have actively engaged with the European Commission and industry stakeholders, receiving and addressing feedback to balance a wide range of views across the ecosystem. We will continue to engage in this dialogue in the coming months," Google commented.

If Google fails to satisfy the regulatory concerns, it could face formal charges by the end of September, potentially leading to a fine of up to 10 per cent of its global annual turnover, the sources added.

(With Reuters Inputs)