Ref. Ares(2018)2573779 - 17/05/2018
Ref. Ares(2018)2751838 - 28/05/2018
CAB Ansip meeting with FairSearchEurope on 17/06/2015
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on 25-Jun-2015 16:39. Last modified by
on 25-Jun-2015
16:39.
Participants:
FairSearch Europe,
,
(Microsoft)
(Allegro)
FairSearch Europe Brussels
Kamila Kloc (Cab AA),
(CNECT F4)
FairSearch is a group of multinational businesses and organisations who lobby against the dominance
of Google and certain Google business practices.
As to the Google cases, FairSearch Europe is happy with the recent developments, is willing to
support the Commission and will send us information regarding their complaint (FairSearch is one of
the complainants alleging that Google has abused its dominance of mobile phone operating systems)
and their position.
KK made clear that VP Ansip considers this “Vestager’s case” and we will not comment on the case
substance.
FairSearch Europe does not find platform regulation necessary and deems the COMP instruments
sufficient. They assume that the reason for thinking now about regulating platforms is the slowness
of the Google-case. Already the definition of platforms was found very difficult. Furthermore they
found a possible contradiction between the principles of the DSM and further parallel regulation with
similar objectives (competition and "new") on platforms.
KK replied that parallel regulation is a concept that is already used in several sectors, for example in
telecoms, and that it functions well. It will be essential to define platforms. At this point however it
has not been concluded whether or not regulation/additional instruments are needed. These are
issues for the public consultation to be launched after summer. Only if evidence is found that
additional regulation is needed the Commission will propose so.
In reply to the question by FairSearch Europe how the Commission assesses the French legislative
plans to regulate platforms, KK replied that it was premature to comment on the compatibility of the
French planned legislation.