Google has had a long history with the EU commission when it comes to anti-trust, anti-competition and a few more antis. The firm has been scrutinised over rights to out-of-copyright books, market monopolisation, privacy concerns and data protection.
Often in many of these conflicts and investigations, Google has come out on-top, with many of its business decisions holding the greater good of the public in mind. However, as the firm's dominance has grown, so too perhaps has its ego, at least, that's what the EU commission appears to believe.
The two groups are currently in talks over anti-competitive practises, where Google is accused of prioritising its own products and services over those of third-party providers. Google's general argument is that users can leave the firm at the click of a button and never return and so, value added functionality is a necessity.
Reports are indicating that whilst Google has been working with the EU commission to agree upon certain changes and practises to avoid a potential multi-billion pound fine, talks may be on the "knife edge" as the EU has begun demanding at the last minute significant changes to Google's mobile services.
It's suggested that the EU is preparing to serve within, perhaps, the next few weeks, a "statement of objections" should it not be able to come to terms with the firm, that will officially kick off proceedings. So which will it be? An overhaul of Google services and practises, or a big fine? Either way something fairly significant is likely to take place over the next few months.
