Investing.com — The European Commission is preparing to launch a new investigation into Google parent company Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) regarding how it ranks news outlets in search results, according to Financial Times reporting.
The probe, expected to be announced Thursday, will examine claims that Google demoted publishers that carry “third party” promotional content such as sponsored editorial articles. News publishers argue these sponsored articles are crucial to their business model.
This investigation falls under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), legislation designed to prevent large “digital gatekeepers” from unfairly disadvantaging other businesses operating on their platforms. Companies found violating the DMA could face fines of up to 10 percent of their global turnover.
Google is already under multiple DMA investigations in the EU, including probes into whether its search engine favors its own services over competitors and if it obstructs developers from directing consumers to offers outside its app store.
The new investigation comes just two months after the European Commission fined Google €2.95 billion for its search advertising practices. That penalty prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten additional tariffs against Europe.
Related articles
Google faces new EU probe over news publisher rankings, FT reports
EUR/USD Could Rebound as Bond-Driven US Dollar Strength Looks Overdone
3 Dependable Non-Tech Stocks Poised for Steady Gains in Uncertain Times
