Report: EU Accusing Google of Illegally Abusing Search Dominance
The European Union is accusing Google of illegally abusing its dominance of search in Europe, according to reports. The reported added that Google will be served with a statement of objection, essentially a formal charge sheet, on Wednesday.
According to EU, Google broke antitrust regulations by siphoning traffic from its competitors to its own services.
The company could ultimately be forced to pay large fines or make changes in its business model in Europe.
According to Financial Times, the decision on the charges will be taken up by the college of 28 EU commissioners on Wednesday.
According to an internal memo obtained by Re/code, Google has called EU decision "very disappointing news."
"The European Commission's issuance of a Statement of Objections (SO) laying out specific charges against Google would represent a significant step towards ending Google's anti-competitive practices, which have harmed innovation and consumer choice," Thomas Vinje, Legal Counsel and Spokesman for FairSearch Europe, said in a written statement. "FairSearch Europe awaits confirmation of Commission action."