Google Accused of Stifling Competition in Email Market
Tuta Mail, an encrypted email service with over 10 million users worldwide, has accused Google of manipulating search results to suppress its visibility. The company claims that since March 2024, its ranking in Google searches for "encrypted email" has plummeted, leading to a 90% drop in website traffic.
Tuta alleges that Google's actions violate the EU's Digital Markets Act, which designates large companies like Google as "gatekeepers" and prohibits them from favoring their own services over competitors. The company argues that Google's manipulation of search results prevents niche email services like Tuta from growing and competing effectively.
Google denies the accusations, claiming that Tuta remains easily accessible through its search engine. The company insists that its search ranking updates are not intended to favor any particular website, including its own. However, Tuta points out that Google's own email service, Gmail, has over a billion users worldwide, making it difficult for smaller competitors to gain traction without appearing in relevant search results.
The incident highlights the ongoing concerns about the power of large tech companies like Google and their potential to stifle competition in the digital market. The EU's Digital Markets Act aims to address these concerns by imposing stricter regulations on gatekeeper companies. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be effective in ensuring a level playing field for all businesses.