http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/ Engadget Comments for EU launches preliminary antitrust probe against Google http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 10:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 10:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 11:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 24th 2010 12:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 24th 2010 12:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 24th 2010 12:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Antitrust? interesting theory.... I'm waiting for the term "possible Google-killer" to become popular. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 1:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
kinda hard to press charges on open source products they are coming out with >.]]>Feb 24th 2010 2:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
got cut off....

as far as search engines go...
its their site... they can choose what content shows up and in what order based on whatever the fuck they want. I realize their are some laws they must abide by... but come one... who is gonna search search engines in a search engine. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 2:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
Someone should file an anti-trust lawsuit against the EU for being the only ones getting to sue big corporations for big bucks.

Not enough big bucks going around... and that's anti-competitive man.

Die EU! Die! Die! Die!]]>Feb 24th 2010 3:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
US and japan do the same.

For example intel got fines for unfair business practices from EU, Japan and USA.]]>Feb 24th 2010 4:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
Yeah that is PROOF that google is downranking it's competitors /sarcasm]]>Feb 24th 2010 5:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
My head hurts.]]>Feb 24th 2010 7:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 24th 2010 9:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Why was this down ranked? This is actually kinda funny, I mean he has a good point.]]>Feb 24th 2010 9:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
Some world you live in. Perhaps, we need to coin the term Googlefanboi just for you, although there are plenty who love and use Google thousands of times a day. ]]>Feb 24th 2010 10:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
Yo dawg. So we heard you like search engines. So we put a search engine in your search engine so you can search while you search!]]>Feb 24th 2010 2:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/My client pleads guilty for reasons of temporary insanity]]>Feb 23rd 2010 11:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Behind every success is a crime

]]>Feb 24th 2010 3:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/next up, Apple for not licensing out Mac OS X and iPhone OS]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
An hour ago, I would have said that you're crazy and it's not the same at all. But if the EU can go after Google for page rank of their competitors' search engine, then all bets are off.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
This is a little ridiculous. If you don't want to use google then use yahoo or bing or go to the library...noone is forcing you to use anything. The IE thing was because it was actually pre-installed on the computer....WHICH IT SHOULD BE since it is microsoft OS! If it were an anti-trust issue it would be that IE was pre-installed and other browsers were blocked from accessing the internet, but that is NOT the case! This anti-trust crap is really getting out of hand and needs to stop.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
Seems like it. =|]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 10:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
hmm then that means pretty soon they should be on Apple's case since they ban things that "duplicate functionality" on the iPhone..

I wonder if Apple allows for third party browsers on the iPhone like Opera Mini. Although really, safari is a great browser as it is. ]]>Feb 23rd 2010 11:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/They will probably go after iLife and iTunes for being bundled with OS X and iPods. That could be a good thing...I think.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 11:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Agreed! The EU is telling me that if I create my own OS I can't make productivity software specifically designed for it?? Nevermind the fact that ME, MYSELF, and I CREATED said OS, and didn't FORCE anyone to use it etc. This is BS. The EU is a bureaucracy with "solutions" in search of "problems." Go away!]]>Feb 23rd 2010 11:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/yes, you are correct.
antitrust in Europe is made to protect customers and promote fair competition.
when a company has a monopoly, a quasi-monopoly, or a de-facto monopoly, it is not allowed to use it's predominance to "kill" it's competition.
a fair play as much as it can be.
so it was valid for Microsoft, as a browser was an application until MS decided to put as part of the OS, which was still all right, but then, when called for doing so, they made the new OS with IE part of the OS so intricately that you could not do without (and you still could not uninstall, as the explorer used it. with the intention of getting mozilla to nothing
same when they used their advantage to force manufacturers to bundle their OS, with the proven threat of withdrowing selling the product to them.
same for intel , of for a PC manufacturer.

key word here is the monopoly (or close monopoly), so yes: when a company is successful (getting to a monopolistic place) it is checked.

oh and forced bundling is Forbidden by law in most european countries. if you are the picky and annoying type, you could open a box of 4 batteries in a shop and ask them to price one single battery. 4 is a bundle (tough game though, annoyance for little, but you;d win in courts)

For the other comments i saw: iphone bundled to itunes is border legal and had issues, and if google is using it's predominance to slowly destroy it's competition, instead of advances on a level play, then it is investigated.

oh and these do help the customer. after investigation was concluded, now you don't have to pay for an MS windows when you purchase a PC without OS, exclusivity for the iphone is deemed less and less legal, bundling itunes to the iphone has already been brought to courts, and having your search in internet slowly narrowed to google only in the future with Google's vision of what you should see is a dangerous step.
(companies change, see Apple from think different to think as I want you to.)
allegation of seach things, when brought to court must be investigated.

oh and most of the comments I saw here, are complaining about europe checking this out, while usually all the examples above brought to european customers what Engadget's commenters usually complain about not having in USA.

]]>Feb 24th 2010 1:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Finally some sanity.

Nothing wrong with a few laws to keep companies in check. Businesses have no requirement whatsoever to be moral, and in fact choosing morals over long term profits is against shareholders interests and isn't allowed. The only thing that stops companies doing whatever they like (regardless of its affect on the public) is that there are rules.

I own a house. It is mine! I should be able to paint it pink and add two stories to it if I like. However I can't do that if it is to the detriment of the rest of the street. Fair enough.

I can't believe the number of people here feeling pity for, and rushing to the defence of, Microsoft and Google in these cases. These ruling are directly intended to improve competition which is ultimately beneficial to all of us.

For example, if Microsoft used its influence to force Adobe to only provide Photoshop on Windows, took away Office from OSX and created a new proprietary office format simply to strongarm Apple users into furthering the windows desktop monopoly, the EU (and most other countries/unions) would rush to outlaw the action. It is their responsibility to do so. It is a company's responsibility to push the barriers as far as they will go, but to follow the rules set out.]]>Feb 24th 2010 5:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
A little research, it goes a long way, you know? Apple has allowed web browsers in the App Store since January 2009, eleven months ago. There are now plenty of alternative of web browsers available in the App Store. Why didn't you bother to find out the truth before writing an outright lie?]]>Feb 25th 2010 11:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/its eye will melt the jail bars]]>Feb 23rd 2010 11:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/



]]>Feb 23rd 2010 9:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
exactly, i don't get why nobody sees the ties to microsoft.
ciao is owend by MS and foundem has at least a connection to MS

I think Microsoft simply wants to get back at google.]]>Feb 24th 2010 7:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 24th 2010 2:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
suggesting that the EU are a bunch of commies? XD.]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
What... uh... Browser are you using that doesn't have a search bar already built in?]]>Feb 23rd 2010 10:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.google.com instead of the Google searchbox on Firefox, no idea why.]]>Feb 24th 2010 6:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 9:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/Feb 23rd 2010 10:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/I don't know about you but my browser uses Google in the little search thingy (granted i told it to) but ff also uses Google's I'm feeling lucky search when you type non-urls into the URL bar, at least that's what I read somewhere]]>Feb 24th 2010 12:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/never have I had a mispost, until now :(]]>Feb 24th 2010 12:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/
(See for example the american mobile phone industry)]]>Feb 24th 2010 1:16AM