In Brussels, at high noon today, the EU fired the first hail of anti-trust charges towards internet giant Google. But after a protracted four year legal back-and-forth with the EU, Google is an experienced sharp-shooter. Armed to the teeth with influence, cash, and legal expertise, many expect Google to wage a desperate fight to remain the biggest search engine standing.
In IT Blogwatch, bloggers will wait until the dust settles.
Today's humble blogwatcher is .
Hayley Tsukayama finds Google, hanging on the Tree of Woe:
Prominent Google critics are cheering...reports that the European Union may issue a statement of objections against the search giant, after years of investigation.
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It would be one of the most significant actions ever taken by a European body against a major U.S. company, on par with Europe's landmark case against Microsoft a decade ago.
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But what does that mean for you? Here's a quick rundown... MORE
Peter Teffer expects a big serving for lunch:
[Details] of the charges are expected to be released [during a] press conference at noon local time in Brussels, the main allegations...have remained the same in the past four years.
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Companies have accused Google of favouring its other services when consumers use Google Search.
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[Google search] has such a dominant position in the EU –- in some countries...its market share is as high as 98 percent -- that under EU rules the company has "a special responsibility to ensure that its conduct does not distort competition." MORE
At his core, Mike Elgan seems to dislike European regulators:
One strange element of [the EU's] attacks on Google is that...Europe doesn't oppose Google...only European politicians and regulators do.
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At the core of [the EU's] crusade against Silicon Valley is a vague, disquieting dislike for the enormous power and influence of a few companies--something The Guardian newspaper called Europe's "Silicon Valley envy." MORE
Holly Ellyatt believes in rewarding hard work:
Trip Chowdhry, managing director of Global Equities Research, said EU charges against [Google] would be a protectionist move and a big mistake.
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"I think the European Union is totally clueless...they're going to destroy the company," he told CNBC's "Capital Connection" Tuesday.
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Chowdhry argued that the EU was "penalizing success and rewarding complacency.". MORE
Mark Bergen doesn't drop names, only memos:
[Today] the European Union is expected to drop the hammer on Google, charging the company with violating antitrust rules.
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And Google is prepping a response. Re/code obtained an internal memo discussing the impending charges.
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Here's the memo... MORE
An unnamed BBC journalist spots the tip of an iceberg:
The EU's investigation is not the only one Google is facing.
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Investigators at India's Competition Commission delivered a report last week after carrying out a three-year probe into claims of unfair business practices.
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Their counterparts in Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Taiwan and Canada have also opened investigations. MORE
But Jane McCallion looks closely at an Android:
In another turn of events, [EU Commissioner] Vestager [will] reportedly...open a separate formal investigation into Google's Android mobile OS today. MORE
Meanwhile, big charges always trouble Lord "you're fired" Sugar: [You're fired -Ed.]
Hmm big trouble looming to Google to face charges in EU after years of investigation for favouring its own algorithms MORE
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