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Tag: Andreas Mundt

  • Germany Investigating PayPal’s Market Dominance

    Germany Investigating PayPal’s Market Dominance

    PayPal is in the crosshairs of German regulators over concerns that it used its market dominance to stifle competition.

    PayPal is a popular online payment processor and money transfer platform. In many countries, it’s the de facto standard payment method for buying and purchasing online.

    According to Reuters, however, German regulators are concerned the company may have abused that dominance in an effort to ward off competition. In particular, the antitrust regulator raised concerns over clauses in PayPal’s agreement that say sellers cannot show a preference for other payment methods, or make it easier for customers to use them.

    “These clauses could restrict competition and constitute a violation of the prohibition of abuse,” said chief Andreas Mundt.

    “We will now examine what market power PayPal has and to what extent online merchants are dependent on offering PayPal as a payment method.”

  • Google Under Closer Scrutiny From German Antitrust Watchdog

    Google Under Closer Scrutiny From German Antitrust Watchdog

    Google has been labeled a company of “paramount significance” by the German antitrust watchdog, opening the door for more scrutiny.

    Google is facing scrutiny and legal challenges worldwide over antitrust concerns related to its search dominance, advertising business, and its Android operating system.

    According to SFGATE, Google’s designation was changed by the Bundeskartellamt, the German antitrust group, allowing it “to intervene earlier and more effectively” to block anti-competitive behavior. The classification lasts for five years.

    “This is a very important step, since based on this decision, the Bundeskartellamt can now take action against specific anti-competitive practices by Google,” said the watchdog’s president, Andreas Mundt.

    Google has already said it will not appeal the decision.

    “We are confident that we comply with the rules and, to the extent that changes are necessary, we will continue to work constructively with the (Federal Cartel Office) to find solutions that enable people and businesses in Germany to continue to use our products,” Google said in a statement.