PDLN condemns Google Rights Grab
In the past few days, in response to the new DSM legislation, Google has presented publishers across Europe with an ultimatum; “accept that we can display your content including text snippets free of charge or we will reduce your coverage to a bare link”. Because Google has a dominant (90% plus) share of search traffic, unless publishers comply, they will lose significant traffic.
PDLN see this as unacceptable in normal business and competition law contexts. Google are seeking to undermine democratically enacted EU legislation. Google are using their monopoly powers to unilaterally impose rules on publishers. Google are seeking to sustain a business model that is destroying journalism for the sake of their profits.
PDLN support appropriate and effective countermeasures from competition authorities, national and local governments, and publishers. We fully support ENPA, NME, EMMA and the other publisher representatives' condemnation of Google’s action.
