Will EU Antitrust Actions Against Google Help or Harm Affiliates Over the Long Term?

[MichaelCorfman]

The European Union formally accused Google of antitrust violations earlier today, 15 April 2015. You can see the press release published by the European Commission here:

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Google on comparison shopping service; opens separate formal investigation on Android

EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said:

"The Commission's objective is to apply EU antitrust rules to ensure that companies operating in Europe, wherever they may be based, do not artificially deny European consumers as wide a choice as possible or stifle innovation".

"In the case of Google I am concerned that the company has given an unfair advantage to its own comparison shopping service, in breach of EU antitrust rules. Google now has the opportunity to convince the Commission to the contrary. However, if the investigation confirmed our concerns, Google would have to face the legal consequences and change the way it does business in Europe."

"I have also launched a formal antitrust investigation of Google’s conduct concerning mobile operating systems, apps and services. Smartphones, tablets and similar devices play an increasing role in many people's daily lives and I want to make sure the markets in this area can flourish without anticompetitive constraints imposed by any company."

Additional information information can also be found in the following European Union press releases:

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Google on comparison shopping service

Antitrust: Commission opens formal investigation against Google in relation to Android mobile operating system

As affiliates, most of us depend heavily on Google search results to bring traffic to our sites. So any government actions that change the way Google does business could impact us. Do you think the European Union's actions will prove to be good or bad for affiliates over the long term? Besides voting in the poll, share your thoughts regarding why you think the European Union's actions might help or harm affiliates over the long term.

Michael

[mojo]

According to the news reports I've seen the US considered doing the same in 2012 but dropped the ball when Google agreed to concessions. As a result dissatisfied businesses are giving the EU full support to pick up the ball and not drop it this time.

It was interesting to note it was reported that 90% of EU users searched with Google compared to 67% in the US.

[DanHorvat]

Google is a bully. EU stood up.

So, everyone will benefit as Google won't be able to blackmail everyone - including affiliates - from their monopolistic position.

I'm sure all my fellow affiliates in Europe are aware Google is acting as if gambling is illegal (since they're from the USA) despite it being perfectly legal and regulated in most of Europe. Meaning, Google is strong enough to tell you how you should run your business in your own country.

Less power to Google. More regulation. Everyone must follow the same rules, including the bully.

[Triple7]

For sure it will help affiliates!