The European Commission Cracks Down on Google - Our Statement

Brussels – Today, Open Markets Europe Director Max von Thun released the following statement in response to the European Commission’s decision to fine Google €3 billion for abusing its dominance in the adtech market and ordering the internet giant to end its illegal conduct.

“Open Markets strongly commends the Commission for this important first step in breaking Google’s chokehold over the underlying architecture not merely of the Internet, but of the free press in the 21st century,” said von Thun.

As we know, fines in themselves have proven ineffective in forcing giant corporations to stop breaking the law. Google has already paid over €8 billion in fines in the EU, but remains as willing as ever to ignore the rule of law. Of course, it is only right that Google pays the price for its blatant and longstanding lawbreaking. More importantly however, the Commission has given Google two months to end its illegal practices and resolve the profound conflicts of interest which arise from its control of every layer of the adtech stack.  

When the deadline strikes, the Commission must reject ineffective behavioral remedies and order the divestments needed to end Google’s illegal abuses of European citizens, publishers, advertisers, and ultimately European democracy – once and for all. As today’s announcement makes clear, ‘only the divestment by Google of part of its services would address the situation of inherent conflicts of interest.’ We fully expect the Commission to stand by its words.”

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