The CNMC has initiated a disciplinary file against Google in which it investigates a series of practices that could imply an abuse of Google’s dominant position with respect to publishers of press publications and news agencies established in Spain.
According to the note issued by the body chaired by Cani Fernández, “these practices would consist of the possible imposition of unfair commercial conditions on publishers of press publications and news agencies established in Spain for the exploitation of their content protected by intellectual property rights. ”.
On the other hand, the investigated conducts would also include practices that would constitute acts of unfair competition that could distort free competition affecting the public interest that could suppose the exploitation of the situation of economic dependence with respect to Google in which the publishers of publications of press and news agencies established in Spain.
This file originates from a complaint received at the CNMC by the Spanish Center for Reprographic Rights (CEDRO). In view of said complaint and the information collected within the framework of the reserved information phase, the CNMC Competition Directorate considers that there are rational indications of the commission, by Google, of possible infringements of articles 2 and 3 of the Law on the Defense of Competition, as well as article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Now, the market regulator has a maximum period of 18 months for the investigation of the file and for its resolution.
