Alphabet Inc., owner of the American Internet company - Google, sent a detailed response to the allegations by the European Commission (EC) in violation of the competition rules, which implies that the company is ready to defend its position in court, writes the Wall Street Journal.
The current trial has been going on for almost five years, and in 2015, the European Commission has decided to present formal charges against the company. In particular, the EC is interested in the work of Google service in relation to goods, suspecting it of promoting its own products and services with violation of the fair competition rules. Google may be fined with an amount equal to about 10% of annual revenues, or $ 6.6 billion.
In response, Google says that there is no reason to begin the investigation and to impose fines on the company. "In fact, the EC requires us to sacrifice the quality of services for the benefit of competitors," - the document says.
Previously, Google offered three different options that could resolve the situation, but it was unable to reach a compromise with the regulator. It is noted that Joaquin Almunia, the former European Commissioner for Competition, said in January 2014 that the third option is "able to dispel concerns about the competition," but then in September, the EC changed its position drastically and began to insist on greater concessions. According to lawyers representing Google, the European Commission has not given a clear explanation of this change in opinions.
In addition, according to Google, the requirement to change the search algorithm to provide equal opportunities for competitors is unprecedented in European legislation for companies: the only area in which such requirements apply, are utilities, which means the vital resources.
After reviewing Google's position, EC will make the final decision which can be challenged at the court. According to experts, litigation can drag on for years.
A European Commissioner for the Digital Economy, Guenther Oettinger, said that the European Commission must "show their teeth" in the area of antimonopoly policy. According to him, the EU "must make online platforms and search engines to comply with the rules established in Europe."