Google's YouTube Could be Probed By EU's Antitrust Chief

Jul 01, 2014 10:20 AM EDT | Matt Mercuro

European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia announced today (June 30) that he might investigate Google's YouTube if he sees any attempt by the world's top internet search engine to abuse its position in online video searching.

The comments by the commissioner came as he finalizes a separate case against Google, which was triggered by complaints from Microsoft and other companies, according to Reuters.

"We are receiving more complaints, for instance the way Google leverages the search engine," Almunia to a Chatham House conference, according to Reuters.

One issue was whether to open a new investigation or extend the current case against Google after the new complaints, according to Alumunia.

Earlier this month, music trade association Impala asked European Union antitrust regulators to intervene with YouTube's streaming music service. They claimed that some conditions demanded by the company were "anti-competitive," according to Reuters.

YouTube is the world's most popular online video website. The company said the proposed new service could provide new revenue for the music industry.

"YouTube for instance, it's another kind of activity where Google can also leverage their market power in search engine, and maybe this will give way to another investigation," said Almunia.

YouTube is hoping to launch it sometime before the end of this summer, according to Reuters.

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