EU/Ribera: Google's Breakup is Still on the Table

According to Teresa Ribera, the new head of competition for the European Union, the potential breakup of Google is still being considered. Ribera, who began her five-year term this week, stated in an interview with Bloomberg TV that the divestitures raised by her predecessor Margrethe Vestager and the U.S. Department of Justice are a way to prevent big tech firms from gaining excessive market power. "This is certainly something on the table, and we are working together with other relevant competition authorities worldwide, including U.S. competition authorities," Ribera said, adding, "It's important to consider this potential breakup and the divestitures of some of these businesses. We will assess each situation individually." Ribera holds one of the most powerful roles in the second five-year term of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and is also responsible for overseeing the Green Deal.