Exclusive: European publishers, tech firms urge EU to speed up fine on Google over search

Core Viewpoint - European publishers, tech firms, and startups are urging EU regulators to expedite the investigation into Google's alleged preferential treatment of its own services in online searches and impose a fine on the company [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation and Regulatory Pressure - The European Publishers Council, along with other organizations, has called for the nearly two-year investigation into Google to be concluded by next week [2]. - The investigation was initiated by the European Commission on March 25, 2024, under the European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA) [3]. - EU regulators aim to finalize DMA cases within 12 months, with charges announced last year [4]. Group 2: Impact on European Companies - The groups representing publishers and tech companies argue that delays in the investigation are harming the profitability of European companies, which are struggling financially and facing potential bankruptcy due to Google's conduct [5]. - They emphasize that every day of delay further erodes the ability of these companies to invest and grow [5]. Group 3: Calls for Action - The organizations have urged the European Commission to issue a formal non-compliance decision against Alphabet, including a cease-and-desist order and a significant deterrent fine [6][7]. - There is a consensus among the groups that Google's proposed measures to address the situation are insufficient [6].