The European Union Competition Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager formally charged the internet search engine giant, Google of anti-competition violations in Europe. Vestager formally issued a communique on Wednesday, 15th April, that the Commission is charging Google for anti-trust violation due to its practice of favoring its search engine over other competitors.
The formal announcement of indictment came after years of threats from the Commission to Google, a move criticized by US President Barrack Obama. Vestager took over the helms of the Commission Competition in November last year. Her predecessor, Joaquin Almunia had tried and failed repeatedly to reach a settlement with the internet search giant.
Google now has 10 days to respond in writing to the Commission. A hearing before the Commission will ensue before a formal trial and if found guilty in violation of European anti-trust laws,the penalty would be very hefty.
