Daijiworld Media Network - Brussels
Brussels, Nov 14: The European Union on Thursday launched a fresh investigation into Google over allegations that the US tech giant is deliberately pushing down news publishers in its search results — a move that comes despite tariff threats from US President Donald Trump.
The European Commission said it suspects Google of demoting media websites and content when they carry sponsored editorial material or commercial partner content.
“We are concerned that Google’s policies do not allow news publishers to be treated in a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory manner in its search results,” EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said. She added that the inquiry aims to ensure publishers do not lose vital revenue “at a difficult time for the industry.”
The probe has been opened under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the EU’s sweeping competition law that seeks to curb the dominance of global tech giants. The investigation comes against the backdrop of Trump’s repeated warnings that he would impose tariffs on countries targeting US tech companies.
Google dismissed the investigation as “misguided” and “without merit.”
“This surprising new investigation risks rewarding bad actors and degrading the quality of search results,” Google Search chief scientist Pandu Nayak said in a blog post. The company argued that its anti-spam policies are essential to protect users from manipulation through low-quality content.
The Commission clarified that the probe is not challenging Google’s anti-spam measures per se, but aims to determine whether the policies are fair, transparent and proportionate for publishers. Brussels fears the rules could restrict publishers’ “freedom to conduct legitimate business” at a time when advertising revenues continue to shrink and audiences increasingly shift toward video content.
While the EU believes publishers have suffered financial losses due to the policy, officials said they do not yet have exact figures and declined to identify specific media companies affected. The Commission aims to conclude the probe within 12 months.
Google is already under heightened scrutiny in the EU. In September, the company was slapped with a €2.95-billion fine — a move that drew sharp criticism and fresh tariff threats from President Trump. Brussels is also investigating Google for allegedly favouring its own services over rivals under a DMA probe opened in March 2024, and for restricting developers from directing users outside the Google Play Store to cheaper offers.
Under DMA rules, confirmed violations can attract penalties of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover — rising to 20% for repeat offences.