• EU sent questionnaire to several companies for feedback on Google
• The investigation is also regarding Google’s search, advertising, browser and login services

American multinational technology company Google is reportedly under further investigation from European Antitrust officials. According to reliable sources, the investigation is concerning data collection practices of the tech giant.

Sources aware of the development stated that the EU competition enforcer requested for information from several companies, by sending questionnaires for feedback on Google. This move was apparently in an effort to gather more information before the launch of an official investigation.

However, the European Commission has refused to comment on the questionnaire.

Reportedly, the focus of the investigation is primarily on Google’s local search services, online ad targeting services, online advertising, web browsers and login services.

Companies were evidently asked about data collection agreements with Google and if they considered this data valuable. Regulators also intended to know if Google and the companies have been subject to illicit contract terms preventing or limiting the use of the data.

Moreover, the commission also wanted to know if the tech giant had apparently declined to provide data and the consequent effects on the companies.

Notably, the EU Executive Commission has charged more than EUR 8 billion (£ 6.9 billion) to the Google since the past two years, following the investigation concerning Google’s business giving it an unfair advantage over its competitors.

Google mentioned in a statement that is uses the acquired data to enhance the company’s services to show appropriate ads. The company further stated that it gives complete control of data to the people and will continue to participate in the discussions with the Commission and others for the benefit of the industry.

For the record, EU had also investigated Apple Pay after Apple’s rivals had raised concerns over it having an inherent advantage against the competition.

Source Credits –  https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/eu-antitrust-regulators-are-investigating-google-s-data-collection-119113000019_1.html