Meeting with
, Google and Alphabet CEO
Ref. Ares(2021)7122040 - 19/11/2021
Ref. Ares(2022)1182451 - 17/02/2022
Online, 17 November 2021
Meeting conclusions
Participants
Visitors’ delegation:
, CEO Google and Alphabet
Google
Google
Google
COM:
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for Europe in the
Digital Age
Werner Stengg, Member of Cabinet EVP Vestager
Penelope Papandropoulos, Member of Cabinet EVP Vestager
Michele Piergiovanni, Member of Cabinet EVP Vestager
(note-taker SG.A.4)
(note-taker COMP.C.3)
Issues raised
On the Digital Services Act (DSA)
& follow-up
EVP Vestager informed that the DSA negotiations are on track for
adoption during the French Presidency. Maintaining this pace means
that the rules could become effective on 1 January 2023 and
companies would need to be ready. Some voices at the European
Parliament are advocating a ban on targeted ads, whereas the
Commission proposal is asking for users to be informed and able to
opt out. The question of responsibilities regarding consumer rights is
also still being discussed.
explained that Google and Android are beginning already
to prepare for the rules (working on metrics, transparency and
getting ready for new processes), but some of the rules are still
moving targets. Google is ranking qualitative information better and
has extended this approach to Youtube. For example, COVID-19
information from leading health organisations ranks better. Google is
also ranking better journalistic content. Within the DSA negotiations
Google is concerned about discussions on misinformation and the
possibility of a blanket ban on targeted advertising. Such a ban,
argued, would be detrimental also to SMEs.
On the implementation of the copyright directive
There is also a perceived disappointment on the side of the
publishers, EVP Vestager said, on the time that it takes for the
implementation of the copyright directive when it comes to
neighbouring rights. The Google CEO explained that his company is
very engaged on working with publishers (also in France where
some deals with large publishers associations have been signed)
but the outcome of the negotiations also depends on the publishers.
On the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and interoperability/sideloading
said that Android embraced interoperability but is exposed
to competitors’ allegations pointing to lack of privacy. His company,
he argued, is striving to strike a balance, giving people more choice.
According to a malware study that Google has conducted, less than
1
1% of Android devices had security issues (but Android is subject to
more security inspections because of its openness). He expressed
hope that legal safeguards in the DMA would guarantee privacy and
user experience on the one hand and effective competition on the
other (the learnings from the judgement on Google Shopping can
serve as an example).
EVP Vestager suggested that the company should share the
findings of the study with the Commission. Some of the DMA
deadlines will be strict. The Commission wishes for the obligations to
be as specific as possible and will provide some guidance.
On the interoperability of different messaging services
EVP Vestager said that interoperability of different messaging
services is a strong wish of Members of the European Parliament.
Google,
replied, has been working for 5 years on the RCS
(“Rich Communications Services”), a protocol/open standard that
should normally work. Google is trying to get other messaging
providers on board as well.
On the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TCC)
expressed his gratitude for the EU-US cooperation within
the TTC. If governments with shared values have a strong voice, this
will help – companies too – to defend free speech. EVP Vestager
said that there was a very constructive atmosphere at the first
meeting in Pittsburg. The working groups are focused on concrete
topics, which is encouraging. She inquired about the debate in the
US on the semiconductors’ sector.
replied that the semiconductors supply chain is a key
issue for the US Administration as well. The TTC is the right vehicle
to discuss this. Google is making silicon as a company and would
like to contribute.
argued that the perspective should be a
multilateral one. There are important aspects of the supply chain in
Europe as well.
Note-taker
(SG.A.4)
Copies
Anthony WHELAN (CAB-VON DER LEYEN); Michael WIMMER,
Elisabeth WERNER,
(SG); Filomena
CHIRICO (CAB-BRETON); Gerard DE GRAAF,
(DG CNECT), SG.A.4.
2/2