Poland Accuses Google of Abusing Dominant Position in Publisher Negotiations
Poland’s antitrust regulator has accused Alphabet’s Google of abusing its dominant market position during negotiations with local media publishers over content payments. The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) alleged that Google failed to provide publishers with adequate data to assess its offers, creating an imbalance that prevented fair negotiations. UOKiK President Tomasz Chrostny stated that this lack of transparency made negotiations illusory, allowing Google to impose its terms.
The dispute arises from a 2024 amendment to Polish copyright law, which implemented an EU directive requiring online services to compensate press publishers for using their content. UOKiK’s investigation focuses on Google Search, Google News, and Discover services. The regulator emphasized that the probe is separate from the European Commission’s ongoing investigation into whether Google used publishers’ content in its AI services without proper compensation.
The maximum fine for abusing a dominant market position could reach 10% of Google’s turnover, according to UOKiK. Additionally, in December 2024, Polish e-commerce group Allegro’s price comparison platform Ceneo sued Alphabet for 2.33 billion zlotys ($568 million) over alleged anti-competitive behavior. Google has not yet responded to requests for comment.