European media companies sue Google for 2.1 billion euros

A group of more than 30 European media companies is suing Google in the Netherlands for 2.1 billion euros in damages, the group announced on Wednesday. Belgian companies DPG Media, Mediahuis and Roularta are involved.

The companies are seeking compensation for Google's "years of abusing its dominant position" in the online advertising market. The companies claim this has resulted in years of lost revenue and are therefore seeking compensation. By filing a joint claim, they want avoid the risk of inconsistencies and rising costs.

Google's abuse has been identified in several European countries, the companies say. In 2021, the French competition regulator found that Google was favouring its own advertising tools over those of competitors. The tech giant was subsequently fined 220 million euros as part of a settlement.

Local media companies have long tried to compete with tech giants like Google. In November, DPG Media launched its own advertising service to compete with those of the global tech companies.

^{© PHOTO LIONEL BONAVENTURE / AFP}