European Parliament wants power of Google search engine curbed

The European Parliament is preparing a non-binding resolution that proposes splitting Google's search-engine operations in Europe from the rest of its business as one possible option to rein in the internet company's dominance in the search market.

European politicians have grown increasingly concerned about the way Google and other US companies command the internet industry, and have sought ways to curb their power. A public call for a break-up would be the most far-reaching action proposed and a significant threat to Google's business.

The draft motion does not mention Google or any specific search engine, though Google is by far the dominant provider of such services in Europe, with an estimated 90 per cent market share. Earlier on Friday, The Financial Times described a draft motion as calling for a break-up of Google.

Google declined to comment.

The motion "calls on the commission to consider proposals with the aim of unbundling search engines from other commercial services as one potential long-term solution" to levelling the competitive playing field.

Parliament has no power to initiate legislation and lacks the authority to break up corporations, but the non-binding draft motion would step up the pressure on the European Commission to act against Google.