BRUSSELS: The European Union institutions are tightening the noose around Google to change the way it operates its business and apply EU rules.
The European parliament approved a non-binding resolution that calls for the unbundling of search engines from other services that internet companies offer, a practice that could in theory lead to the break-up of giant internet companies like Google.
Guenther Oettinger EU Digital Economy Commissioner underscored the resolution was “a significant look of views” but he added the EU was far from tearing digital multinationals apart.
Oettinger said slightly we are talking about the consistent and accurate implementation of EU legislation to make sure that the benefits of EU businesses and consumers are maintained.
Further the resolution is a largely symbolic protest vote without immediate impact. But it was approved with a large majority 384 votes to 174, with 56 abstentions showing widespread political backing.
The EU antitrust authorities are currently investigating Google to see whether it is abusing its position following allegations it is biased in linking search results to its own services.
