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Google fined by France Competition Authority

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
15 June 2021
The week started on the wrong foot for the American search engine company

France’s antitrust watchdog fined Google $268 million for abusing its “dominant” position in online advertising. According to the French Competition Authority, the advertising practices used by Google harmed not only its competitors but publishers of mobile websites and applications. The Authority added that it’s the responsibility of a dominant company to avoid unfairly undermining its competition.

Google complied with the Authority’s decision, but it opted to settle after proposing some changes. The search engine giant promised to overhaul the way its platform is used for buying and selling ads, which could have repercussions not only in France but also on its ongoing legal fights with regulators across the world. Moreover, Google is expected to make changes that “will make it possible to re-establish a level playing field for all players, and the ability for publishers to make the most of their advertising space.”

It is not the first time when Google faces backlash for its practices. The German competition watchdog announced that it’s examining whether or not the contracts for news publishers using Google’s News Showcase include “unreasonable conditions.” The Justice Department and multiple states brought an antitrust lawsuit against the company last year in the US.

Despite the news, at the moment of writing, Google stock price is trading 0.29% higher.

Sources: finance.yahoo.com, marketwatch.com

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.