Google Accused of Digital Market Law Violations, EU Action Urged
The online travel agency eDreams ODIGEO is publicly accusing Alphabet Inc. – Google – of deliberately flouting the Digital Markets Act (DMA), citing a lack of enforcement by the European Commission as enabling the alleged misconduct.
A leading online travel agency is escalating its criticism of Google’s business practices, alleging the tech giant continues to prioritize its own services in search results, disadvantaging competitors and harming consumers. The accusations center on Google’s alleged self-preferencing practices, a key concern addressed by the EU’s landmark Digital Markets Act.
DMA Enforcement Faces Scrutiny
Nearly 17 months have passed since the DMA obligations came into effect for designated “gatekeepers” – large digital platforms with significant market power. Despite preliminary findings from the European Commission suggesting potential violations by Google, a final ruling remains outstanding. This delay, according to eDreams ODIGEO, undermines the effectiveness of the regulation and leaves the European digital ecosystem vulnerable.
“Google makes fun of historical European regulations,” stated a company legal director. “Every day that the commission delays its performance, consumers and European companies continue to be harmed by Google’s illegal practices. The DMA was created precisely to put an end to these abuses, but almost 17 months later, the situation remains the same.”
The Stakes for European Consumers and Businesses
The core of the complaint revolves around Google’s alleged practice of giving preferential treatment to its own services within its search results. This practice, critics argue, stifles competition and limits consumer choice. The European Commission, as the sole enforcer of the DMA, has a clear mandate to act decisively against such infractions.
Edo is urging the Commission to adopt a “zero tolerance” policy, warning that inaction could render the DMA ineffective. The company believes a strong response is crucial to demonstrate the EU’s commitment to fair competition in the digital market.
“We urge the commission to fulfill their duty to protect the European market and to send a clear message: the EU takes seriously the application of its own laws against those who openly violate them,” the legal director added.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of regulating powerful tech companies and ensuring a level playing field for businesses operating within the European Union. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for future enforcement actions under the DMA and shape the future of digital competition in Europe.
