Ilan Barzilay Quoted in NewsFactor Network
“EC Launches Probe of Google Search Rankings”

Ilan Barzilay was quoted in the February 24, 2010 NewsFactor Network article, "EC Launches Probe of Google Search Rankings." The article also appeared on Yahoo! News, CIO Today, and Sci-Tech Today. The article reported that the European Commission has launched an antitrust probe of Google's search rankings. Ilan explained, "It makes sense for the world for Google to say this is just another case of us against Microsoft, but it is not going to carry a lot of weight with EC investigators…" Ilan added that "Google says they have 90 percent of the U.K. search market. And when they are giving their own product preferential treatment, the EU can have problems with that." The article explained that despite its tech challenges, Google may have to deal with a lengthy investigation by the EC. Ilan concluded, "Judging by Europe's past practices, this will not be quick," Barzilay said. "Google can short-circuit that if there are some tweaks in its practices, but if Google does not make those tweaks it could face a big fine. Of course, that is if something is there."