European lawmakers back motion to break up Google
Non-binding resolution reflects concern over monopoly of market by US internet giant
European Union lawmakers backed a motion yesterday urging anti-trust regulators to break up Google, the latest setback for the world's most popular internet search engine.
Google has been in the EU's sights since 2010, and is grappling with privacy issues, requests to scrub search results to comply with a court ruling, copyright concerns and tax controversies.
The non-binding resolution in the European Parliament is the strongest signal yet of Europe's concern with the growing power of US tech giants. It was passed with 384 votes for and 174 against.
German conservative lawmaker and co-sponsor of the bill Andreas Schwab said it was a political signal to the European Commission, which is tasked with ensuring a level playing field for business across the 28-country bloc. "Monopolies in whatever market have never been useful, neither for consumers nor for the companies," he said.
Google declined to comment. European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has said she would review the case and talk to complainants before deciding on the next step.
Her predecessor rejected three attempts by the company to settle complaints that it unfairly demoted rivals and stave off a possible fine of US$5 billion.