Google suspects antitrust violations in payment of news usage fees, possible fines of up to 1.9 trillion yen

Google has begun signing contracts with publishers around the world to pay news royalties, but it turns out that French authorities are investigating suspected antitrust violations.

Exclusive: French antitrust investigators say Google breached its orders on talks with news publishers --sources | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-google-antitrust-exclusive-idUSKBN2AN268

Google distributes various contents on Google News, and we are moving toward paying the news media for the distribution of these contents. On February 15, 2021, it was reported that Google signed a contract to pay a total of about 8 billion yen to 121 publishers in France, but based on what and what criteria are paid. The information was unclear, and some news media were criticized for not paying.

It turns out that Google will pay the media a total of 8 billion yen as a news usage fee, what are the details? --GIGAZINE

Newly, Reuters reported that France is investigating the deal on suspicion of antitrust violations.

Reuters gets information from two sources who read the research report. In a 93-page report, it was stated that Google's non-compliance with the law was 'a very serious nature.'

Authorities can fine up to 10% of annual sales if Google's actions violate antitrust laws. Google's annual sales in 2020 were $ 183 billion (about 19 trillion yen), which is equivalent to 1.9 trillion yen.

The highest fine ever imposed by the French authorities for violating the Antimonopoly Act was 130 billion yen imposed on Apple in 2020.

French authorities fine US Apple 130 billion yen Suspected price control: Nihon Keizai Shimbun
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO56863580W0A310C2FF2000/

In response to Reuters' request for comment, Google said, 'Our top priority is legal compliance and good faith negotiations with publishers, which has been proven in contracts over the past few months.' 'Currently we We are considering a notice of opposition and will work closely with the French authorities in the future. '

In addition, Google has closed Google News in Spain since 2014 due to legal regulations, but according to Reuters, Google has started negotiations for a license agreement with a Spanish publisher. This is expected to bring back Google News in Spain.

Alphabet in talks with Spanish publishers to bring Google News back, sources say | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-google-spain-copyright-idUSKBN2AM1X3