Sci/Tech EU wants to split up google

[Slapshot136]

Brussels (AFP) - The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly for the break-up of Google on Thursday in a largely symbolic vote that nevertheless cast another blow in the four-year standoff between Brussels and the US Internet giant.

In a direct challenge to Google, MEPs assembled in Strasbourg approved a resolution calling on the EU to consider ordering search engines to separate their commercial services from their businesses.

While Google is not directly mentioned in the proposal, the California-based search engine is clearly the target. The resolution passed with 384 in favour and only 174 votes against.

The European Parliament has no power to launch the break-up of Google, but the move, introduced by two senior lawmakers, is a further indication that the mood towards the company in Europe has soured.

https://news.yahoo.com/eu-parliament-votes-break-google-002739007.html

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/26/european-legislator-urging-the-breakup-of-google-has-ties-to-a-law-firm/
http://www.theverge.com/2014/11/27/7298849/european-parliament-digital-single-market-motion-vote
http://www.theverge.com/2014/11/27/7298849/european-parliament-digital-single-market-motion-vote

I just want a way to use youtube without google+ (try writing a comment or rating a video) - hopefully removing google+ is a next-step - I can't even disable it since so much stuff requires it...

 

[Accname]

I dont get it. Why would brussels have any say in the business of google?
They are free to do whatever, its their company after all.

 

[Slapshot136]

I dont get it. Why would brussels have any say in the business of google?
They are free to do whatever, its their company after all.

They don't have the authority to do that - but they are trying anyways, because of so many lawsuits against Google being a monopoly..

 

[Accname]

I know they havent any authority, it was more like a "how dare they?!" rather then a "how can they?".

 

[FireCat]

There is too much crap and too many commercials! Yes, yes
But a search engine "cannot make money?" How does it survive. Eh?

 

[Accname]

Of course they make money, tons of it. Its probably one of their major sources of income.
Just think about all the advertisement and people paying to get a good spot on the search results.