A PYMNTS Company

France: Watchdog launches online ad inquiry with Google in its sights

By  |  May 23, 2016

The French competition authority launched an inquiry on Monday on the exploitation of Internet users’ data for the online advertising industry, putting major personal data collectors such as Alphabet’s Google in its sights.

The inquiry, which includes a public consultation starting early next year, will result in non-binding recommendations but may become the basis of a formal antitrust investigation if infringements are observed.

“Can everyone access these data, which are fundamental inputs of this business activity? Are there exclusion strategies being put in place?” Bruno Lasserre, president of the France’s antitrust regulator, told a press conference.

Google, the world’s most popular Web search engine, collects data globally from Internet users and companies via the free professional and personal services it offers online and on smart mobile devices.

Full Content: Fortune

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.