Google under investigation by EU over suspected news search abuse

The European Commission has formally launched proceedings to assess whether Google applies fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory conditions of access to publishers’ websites on Google Search, which is an obligation under the Digital Markets Act. The Commission’s monitoring work has shown indications that Google, based on its ‘site reputation abuse policy’, is demoting news media and other publishers’ websites and content in Google search results when those websites include content from commercial partners. According to Google, this policy aims to tackle practices that are allegedly meant to manipulate ranking in search results. The Commission’s investigation focuses specifically on Google’s ‘site reputation abuse policy’, and how that policy applies to publishers. This policy appears to directly impact a common and legitimate way for publishers to monetize their websites and content. Therefore, the Commission is investigating whether Alphabet’s (GOOGL) (GOOG) demotions of publishers’ websites and content in Google Search may impact publishers’ freedom to conduct legitimate business, innovate, and cooperate with third-party content providers.The initiation of proceedings does not prejudge a finding of non-compliance. It merely indicates that the Commission will further pursue the case. The Commission will aim to conclude its investigation within 12 months from the opening of the proceedings. In case of an infringement, the Commission can impose fines up to 10% of the company’s total worldwide turnover. Such fines can go up to 20% in case of repeated infringement.