Google searching for trust online

The ghost of Android mobile software seems to be chasing Google with no immediate sign that the world’s biggest search engine would get away easily from EU watchdogs over a number of issues involving breach of trust.

An anti-trust commission from the European Union had earlier looked into complaints against the tech giant after several rival companies – including Microsoft – brought charges of doctoring search results and advertising services in an unfair manner.

However, with Google promising to pay out concessions to dodge lengthy legal hassles, the anti-trust investigation could be wrapped up without any further drama. But the recent row over Android has once again stirred up the calm waters, much to the distress of the search giant.

EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said in a news briefing, “I believe that these fast-moving markets would particularly benefit from a quick resolution of the competition issues identified. Restoring competition swiftly to the benefit of users at an early stage is always better than lengthy proceedings.”

With Google occupying 86% of the European search market, the anti-trust body wants the search engine to talk at length about its advertising policies and in a letter sent to Eric Schmidt, the EU Competition Commissioner has set a deadline to do so.

“In this letter, I offer Google the possibility to come up in a matter of weeks with first proposals of remedies to address each of these points”, Almunia said.

“This is effectively the Commission demanding remedies, failing that there will be a statement of objections”, he added.

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