Google AdTech: EU Commission SO. Konstantina Bania (Brunel), Michael Veale (UCL), Mikaël Hervé (CRA)
Mikaël Hervé, Vice President in Charles River Associates’ European Competition Practice
Dr Michael Veale, Associate Professor. Faculty of Laws, University College London
Dr Konstantina Bania, Senior Lecturer in Law, Brunel University & a Partner at Geradin Partners
The DG COMP EU Competition Policy has sent a Statement of Objections to Google over its allegedly abusive practices in online advertising technology. This case is extraordinary at least in two respects. Firstly, we all understand the existential, quintessential role of online advertising technology for the overall influence and control over the entire digital economy. Essentially, online advertising in an industry where the digital power is being converted into the pecuniary, monetary one. Secondly, the Commission proposes a really extraordinary remedy, stating that its "preliminary view is … that only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services would address its competition concerns". So, the case will keep attracting attention of the brightest minds in the field. To discuss the mechanic of online advertising and its impact on competition in digital markets, the allegedly abusive nature of the conduct as well as the wider spectrum of related problems I have invited three remarkable speakers: Dr. Konstantina Bania (Brunel Law School and Geradin Partners), Mikaël Hervé (Charles River Associates) and Michael Veale (Faculty of Laws, UCL). We've had a very informative and productive conversation. All three contributors have articulated a number of really deep and innovative ideas on the issue. I enjoyed this conversation very much indeed and cannot recommend more listening the thoughts of all three participants for people interested in understanding the core of the issue as well as potential avenues of its further development. Feedback is very welcome.
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