Digital Markets Act Enforcement: Industry Coalition Urges Commission Action Against Alphabet
Two years after the European Commission opened an investigation into Alphabet's self-preferencing practices on Google Search, industry groups are calling for decisive action to ensure fair competition.
European Commission Urged to Act Against Alphabet for Non-Compliance with DMA
With the two-year mark approaching for the European Commission's investigation into Alphabet's alleged self-preferencing practices on Google Search, a coalition of industry organizations is pressing for immediate action. The groups argue that Alphabet's conduct has continued to stifle fair competition and limit consumer choice, undermining the goals of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The investigation, launched following Alphabet's admitted dominance in general online search, aims to address how the company allegedly leverages this position to unfairly favor its own services in adjacent digital markets. The coalition, representing sectors including travel, news publishing, and digital rights, asserts that this behavior has pushed competitors out and deprived European users of options for over two decades.
Despite the ongoing proceedings and discussions, Alphabet has reportedly continued the very practices that prompted the investigation. The organizations claim that Alphabet's proposed changes to Google Search results pages have been insufficient, particularly by not adequately addressing paid advertising sections and the integration of AI features.
Citing the DMA's provision for a 12-month benchmark for non-compliance decisions, the coalition points out that the Commission is now significantly past this deadline. They are calling for a formal decision against Alphabet, including clear cease-and-desist orders, substantial fines, and potentially interim measures or periodic penalties if non-compliance persists.
The BDZV (German Newspaper Publishers and Digitalpublishers Association), alongside numerous other European organizations, emphasizes that decisive action is crucial to uphold the DMA's effectiveness and prevent other dominant 'gatekeepers' from acting with impunity. Failure to act, they warn, could significantly harm European businesses and erode confidence in the regulatory framework designed to ensure open and contestable digital markets.