Googling something could soon be just
another forgot term in the history books at least for Europeans, as the
European parliaments long running anti-trust case seems to finally be coming to
a head. On November 27th, the EuropeanUnion Parliament (EUP) voted to put pressure on Google to split off the Google
Search Engine from the rest of the business.
The EUP itself does not actually have
enough power to order Google to split off its search engine which at face value
makes the results of the vote void, however the EUP does have the ability to
apply pressure to the European Commission (EC).
And the EC does have the regulatory powers
over how businesses operate in Europe so it could order Google to split off its
search engine from the rest of its business. However the EC has never before
ordered the break-up of any company, making it seem doubtful it would do so now
despite pressure from the EUP.
The result of the vote which didn’t really
surprise anyone was backed with a majority of 384 votes with 174 voting
against. The EUP argues that a break-up of the Google search engine will break
the Google monopoly on internet searches in Europe. An estimated 90% of the
market in Europe being owned by Google so a break would create a more level
playing field.
However the EUP also views the planned
break up as a way to close up some of the tax loop holes Google and other big
businesses have been using to avoid paying tax in Europe. To make matters even
more complicated, Google is already facing a possible 5 Billion dollar fine
from the EUP for offering prominent places to its other services in search
results.
The motion against Google has received a
consistent amount of support from members of the EUP but the proposed motion to
break up Google has attracted some criticism from overseas. Notably from a
number of high ranking American politicians house judiciary committee chairman,
Bob Goodlatte even sent a letter stating that he was “troubled” by the proposed
motion.
Google so far have yet to comment on the
matter which could be taken as a sign that they don’t really feel threatened by
the results of the vote. Or it could simply mean they’re mulling over the
options available to them. Only time will tell just how the results of the vote
effect Google’s standing in Europe or even if it effects them at all.
David Varty
