MEPs want to split Google into parts

Several MEPs are considering splitting up Google. They believe that the company’s search engine should be separate from all other activities of the company, otherwise Google would learn too much about its users.

That writes The Financial Times Friday evening. The British newspaper says it has seen a proposal in which several MPs argue for a split. The motion would be supported by the parliament’s two main political blocs: the Socialists and the Christian Democrats.

It is not yet clear what the consequences of the motion will be. That has yet to be voted on, which is expected to happen next Thursday. The European Parliament itself cannot impose rules on Google, for example, but it can put pressure on the European Commission. That body can then come up with proposals to limit the power of the internet giant.

Google could not be reached for comment, according to The Financial Times. Nevertheless, the newspaper received reports that the executives within the company were furious. They only heard the news of a possible split a few days ago.

The internet giant has been the target of European investigations into the alleged dominance of the company for about five years now. According to Europe, Google would like to make its own services appear better in the results of its search engine, which is disadvantageous for competitors.