So Google comes screaming out in opposition to the Microsoft acquisition of Yahoo with accusations of dangerous monopoly control.
In the blogged words of Google’s :
“Could the acquisition of Yahoo! allow Microsoft — despite its legacy of serious legal and regulatory offenses — to extend unfair practices from browsers and operating systems to the Internet? In addition, Microsoft plus Yahoo! equals an overwhelming share of instant messaging and web email accounts. And between them, the two companies operate the two most heavily trafficked portals on the Internet. Could a combination of the two take advantage of a PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors’ email, IM, and web-based services? Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions — and consumers deserve satisfying answers.”
Methinks thou dost protest too much.
Let me make the following observation:
Google plus nobody-else-at-all equals an overwhelming share of internet search and web advertising. On its own Google operates the most heavily trafficked video portal on the Internet. Could a combination of Google plus nobody-else-at-all take advantage of a search monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors’ video portals, advertising engines and web-based services? Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions — and consumers deserve satisfying answers.”
OK, I’m well aware that it is in Google’s interest to do whatever it can to prevent Microsoft from acquiring Yahoo!. If nothing else, the longer the acquisition takes, the more both Microsoft and Yahoo! will bleed customers. But let’s have some candour and some honest reasoned argument. I speak as a customer of Google (see the Google Ads to the right). “Don’t be evil”.
Google’s statement is simply the pot calling the kettle “black ass”.
