UK and Netherlands can fine Google €25 billion for unfair advertising

Britain and the Netherlands accused Google of unfair advertising policy and are preparing two lawsuits against the company from the United States.

Here's What We Know

Google is the world's largest seller of online advertising, and as a result, the company is under close scrutiny by antitrust authorities. Investigations are already underway in the European Union and the United Kingdom to determine whether Google's business provides a competitive advantage for all players in the market.

The Netherlands and Britain will file lawsuits demanding €25 billion ($25.4 billion) in compensation in favor of Internet publishers. The plaintiffs are represented by Geradin Partners. Lawyers argue that Google should be punished and compensate the damages that have been caused to the industry. Google has called such a decision speculative and opportunistic. The company stressed that it is cooperating with all European publishers and plans to contest the lawsuit.

In the Netherlands, all publishers, who were harmed because of Google's actions, will be able to join the suit. The lawsuit in Britain suggests monetary compensation for the owners of the sites on which the banner ads were placed. But participants can withdraw from the lawsuit if they wish.

Source: Reuters

Image: The Guardian