Back in April, the European Commission (EC) found that Google had “abused its dominant position” with the Android operating system, by forcing companies to install its Chrome browser and use its search engine. Google has had since then to officially respond to these charges, but the company has asked for and received no less than three extensions for review the case.
Originally, Google and its parent company Alphabet, was supposed to answer the European Commission’s charges by Tuesday. However, the company says it hasn’t had time to review all the documents in the case against it, and will now give a formal reply by October 7th, after a new extension.
Separately, Google is also disputing with the European Commission over a different charge, where the EC found the search giant favored its own online shopping services over those of its competitors. Finally, a third charge is also awaiting answers from Google/Alphabet, one related to blocking advertising competitors online.
Google, which accounts for more than 90% of search queries in the EU, could face fines of up to $7.4 billion, or 10% of its global turnover, on each of these charges, if the company is found guilty and doesn’t settle.
Source: Reuters
