The EU antitrust chief has defended the settlement deal with Google on its search practises saying that there is no ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the search major following criticism from rival firms and others.
Earlier this month, Google offered new set of concessions agreeing to display rivals’ links more prominently, failing which the search major could have faced a fine of up to $5bn.
Welcoming criticism from his fellow commissioners to push through the settlement, the EU antitrust chief said he is also planning to probe Google’s Android operating system in the following weeks.
European competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia said: "It is logical. There are 28 commissioners, each having his own views. It is good that each one can share his views."
"I have also heard people say that the Commission has entered a gentlemen’s agreement with Google which would lead to a way of dropping the charges or closing the file. Not at all," Almunia added.
"Other aspects of Google may give rise to concern including tax optimisation, the collection and use of personal data and the use of the intellectual property of others."
Its latest proposals involved allowing three competitors display their logos and web links in a prominent box, and let content providers to make a decision on the type of material to be used by Google for its own services.
