On the Quality Score allegations, Google said all the major search engines used such a system to make sure their users see the relevant adverts.
"These quality scores are determined based on our assessment of the relevance of the ad to the query and whether the site provides useful information," said the statement. "We also inform advertisers of their quality scores and give them tips on how to improve them."
"Typically, the sites that complain about quality scores have less relevant, lower quality content which we have learned our users are less interested in seeing."
The web goliath added it had stopped using exclusive contracts almost two years ago.
"Our contracts with computer and software vendors, where we provide search services, are all short term," it said. "And most importantly, these contracts can't prevent users from choosing other search providers."
However, despite its protests, Google has said it would work with the EC to "address any concerns."
No time scale has been put on the investigation as of yet.
"There is no legal deadline to complete inquiries into anticompetitive conduct," said the EC. "Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case and the extent to which the undertakings concerned co-operate with the Commission."
-
The Race Is On for Higher Ed to Adapt: Equity in Hyflex Learning -
Google faces 'first of its kind' class action for search ads overcharging in UKNews Google faces a "first of its kind" £5 billion lawsuit in the UK over accusations it has a monopoly in digital advertising that allows it to overcharge customers.
-
Open source advocates "cautiously optimistic" about Cyber Resilience Act after industry pushback prompts changesNews Amendments to the Cyber Resilience Act in December curtailed the potential impact on open source developers in the region, an industry body has said
-
Reprieve for open source industry as agreement reached on Cyber Resilience ActNews The Cyber Resilience Act has been maligned by open source advocates across Europe
-
What's the EU's problem with open source?Analysis The open source community has raised concerns about a raft of new regulatory changes in the EU in recent months
-
EU Cyber Resilience Act a ‘death knell’ for open source software, critics warnNews Critics of the act claim that requirements for open source software usage could severely impact the community
-
Swedish privacy concerns result in fines over Google AnalyticsNews Swedish privacy authority ordered companies to stop using the ubiquitous web traffic analysis tool, in line with recent EU rulings
-
Researcher says criticising Google cost him his jobNews Barry Lynn sets up new group to address platform monopolies after being pushed out at Google-funded New America
-
£130 million Google-UK tax deal could be squashed by EUNews SNP and Labor question terms of perceived low-rate deal
-
Google blames search “monopoly” on bugNews Glitch was responsible for Yelp and TripAdvisor getting buried in search results, claims search engine giant
