The European Commission and its UK colleagues are investigating whether Google’s edtech business gives it an unfair advantage over rivals and advertisers
The European Commission and its UK colleagues are investigating whether Google’s edtech business gives it an unfair advantage over rivals and advertisers
Alphabet unit Google will face claims of damages of up to 25 billion euros ($25.4 billion) over its digital advertising practices in two lawsuits to be filed in British and Dutch courts in the coming weeks by a law firm on behalf of publishers .
(Sign up for our technology newsletter, today’s cash, for insights on emerging topics at the intersection of technology, business and policy. Click Here To subscribe for free.)
Google’s edtech has recently been scrutinized Following complaints from publishers from antitrust regulators.
French competition watchdog fined the company 220 million euros last year, while the European Commission and its UK peers are investigating whether Google’s edtech business gives it an unfair advantage over rivals and advertisers.
“It is time that Google owns up to its responsibilities and pays for the damages caused to this important industry. That is why today we are announcing these actions in two jurisdictions for publishers in the EU and the UK to receive compensation. Damien Geradin at the law firm Geradin Partners said in a statement Tuesday.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The British Claims in the UK Competition Appeals Tribunal will seek compensation for lost revenue from the sale of advertising space on the websites of news publishers and any sites funded by online advertising.
The Dutch claim is open to publishers affected by Google’s actions. Litigation funder Harbor is funding both lawsuits.