THOUSANDS OF EUROPEAN BUSINESSES REPRESENTED BY THE INITIATIVE FOR A
COMPETITIVE ONLINE MARKETPLACE WELCOME EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S DECISIVE
ACTIONS TO REGULATE GOOGLE’S ANTI-COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOUR
- Clear finding from the Commission that Google is abusing its dominant position
- A Statement of Objections is a positive step towards creating a level playing field for consumers
and European businesses - Opening of investigation into Android underlines breadth of Google’s disregard for the law
- Coalition calls for proceedings to be concluded with all due speed
The Initiative for a Competitive Online Marketplace (ICOMP) applauds the European
Commission for taking decisive action to end Google’s years of abusive behaviour in its long-running
antitrust case and by opening a second investigation into the Android mobile platform. They are both
critical steps toward advancing consumer welfare and innovation in Europe.
Says David Wood, General Counsel, ICOMP, “Europe has reached a pivotal moment in creating a fair and
open online marketplace. Commissioner Vestager’s bold decision to send a Statement of Objections to
Google and open a separate investigation into Google’s Android platform are significant developments
in the long running formal investigations into the company. It will be greeted by relief among
complainants, harmed businesses and consumers across Europe. The remedy here is very simple. We
need fair and honest search results and a loosening of the noose Google has tied so tightly around
mobile.”
The EC’s confirmation that they will be launching an investigation into Android again underlines the
breadth of regulator’s concerns with the way in which Google conducts its business.
ICOMP looks forward to a meaningful dialogue among complainants, the Commission, and Google that
leads to a speedy and effective resolution in both cases. The legal process should be concluded with all
due speed.
