EU Competition Commissioner: Reviewing Google's Advertising Technology Business Adjustment Plan

EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera stated on Tuesday that she is reviewing Google's proposed adjustments related to the approximately €3 billion fine imposed on its advertising technology business for alleged antitrust violations, describing the modifications and proposals as more serious than before.

Ribera noted that Google's latest proposal is weaker than some asset divestiture plans previously considered by regulators, but still represents positive progress. She added that requiring Google to divest part of its advertising technology business has never been the only option and mentioned that the EU is also closely monitoring the latest developments in Google's lawsuit seeking to split its business with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Last week, Google stated in a blog post that it would allow publishers to set different minimum prices for different bidders on the Google Ad Manager platform and enhance the interoperability of its advertising technology services, providing publishers and advertisers with more choices and flexibility