According to the European Commission on Wednesday, search giant Google Inc added further concessions in the company's attempts to pipe down regulatory concerns about the tech giant's technology. Reuters noted in its report that Google's latest efforts have effectively settled an investigation into the firm, which ran for three years, and avoided a hefty $5 billion fine.
The news agency said the top search engine in the world has been put on the spotlight lately since November of last year after a series of complaints by over a dozen petitioners across Europe claimed that Google was promoting its own services at the complainants' expense. Reuters said Google has attempted to resolve the case three times, with the latest one enough to resolve the complaints altogether. However, the news agency said that there is still a possibility that the competitors of Google could provide input that might slow down the tech giant's efforts to resolve the case.
In a statement, European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said, "I believe that the new proposal obtained from Google after long and difficult talks can now address the Commission's concerns."
Reuters said the Commission stated that it would be making its final decision about Google after it has received feedback from the latter's competitors. The news agency said that its current concessions offer only applies in the European market and will be valid for five year.
General Counsel Kent Walker for Google stated, "We will be making significant changes to the way Google operates in Europe. We have been working with the European Commission to address issues they raised and look forward to resolving this matter."
Under its latest concessions, some of them would have Google allowing three rivals to display its web links and logo in a prominent area and that content providers will be given the liberty on which Google materials they can use for their own services. Moreover, Google will be giving away popular mobile software Android for free, added Reuters.
