Leaked FTC Documents Seen as Harbinger of Possible EU Antitrust Action Against Google

European Union Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager “appears” to want to fine Google for alleged antitrust activities, said a foreign diplomat Thursday, responding to media reports that the EU could be closing in on an antitrust action against the search giant. Accidentally leaked FTC documents, which showed FTC commissioners turning down an antitrust suit against Google as recommended by staff (see 1503260030), have made it “basically impossible” for the EU to arrive at a similar outcome, he said. “This commission wants to demonstrate that it can take tough and decisive action,” the diplomat said. “Then again, this is a very political decision.” “The recently disclosed FTC report suggests that the US and the EU [were] sharing information throughout this period,” said attorney Chris Castle, who represents artists and musicians and has worked with digital music services. “Google was afforded every opportunity to make a deal that made sense to not only the governments concerned but also the stakeholders,” he emailed. “That was a deal that was Google’s to lose and they did.” Google didn’t comment.