The European Parliament, the directly elected parliamentary institution of Europe, is preparing a resolution that might propose separating Google’s search engine operations from the rest of its services in Europe, as an option to restrain the search giant’s dominance on the European search market, Reuters reports. The internet industry is controlled too tightly by American companies, that gives European politicians an increased sense of concern. They were seeking for solutions to curb their power for some time. The resolution under preparation would be the most far-reaching action proposed by local politicians to reach their goal. For Google, such a resolution might mean a serious threat.
Although the draft resolution does not specify any search engine, it is clear that it is directed against Google, the unquestionable leader on the European internet search market, with an estimated market share of 90%. The draft resolution cited by Reuters calls for the “unbundling of search engines from other commercial services as a potential long term solution” to leveling the competitive playing field on the continent. The Parliament does not have decisive power on this matter, but it can call on the European Commission to act. The resolution is not binding, but it would step up the pressure on the Commission to take steps.
Google is the target of severe criticism in a series of European countries. The search giant is resented for its dominance on the European search engine market, suppressing competition to the detriment of European consumers and businesses. According to a position paper signed by German democrat lawmaker Andreas Schwab and Spanish centrist Ramon Tremosa, the company abuses its position in the search engine market and its ability to direct Internet traffic toward websites it favors. Parliament member Jan Philipp Albrecht considers that “Search engines like Google should not be allowed to use their market power to push forward other commercial activities of the same company.”