Brussels, 31/08/2015 (Agence Europe) - The arguments put forward by Google in response to accusations that the American company is abusing its dominant position, in this case as regards Google Shopping, have failed to convince the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC).
In a press release published in the late afternoon Friday 28 August, BEUC explains that Google's practices do consumers a disservice, contrary to what the American giant claims in its response to the statement of objections of the Commission. In an open letter published by its senior vice-president and legal director, Kent Walker, Google states that it is not about “favouring” its own services, but “giving our customers and advertisers what they find most useful”.
“The best way of serving those millions of people using Google is to give them the best results in a non-discriminatory manner, purely based on quality and relevance”, BEUC responds.
“By pushing competing services out of consumers' sight, Google is not only misleading them, it is also reducing their choice and stifling innovation”, BEUC continues. Furthermore, the results of the search do not mean “ads”, BEUC goes on to explain, rejecting Google's argument that its practices aim to improve the quality of its services.
BEUC concludes by criticising Google's decision not to publish its evidence or request a hearing. This “raises many questions about Google's preparedness to confront its data with those of the complainants”, states BEUC. (Elodie Lamer)