EPP Group ensures clarity on how search ranking is determined

The EPP Group has welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the new rules for digital platforms and App stores (like Amazon, Google or eBay) that will end unfair practices and ensure a fair and transparent online environment for businesses using online platforms.

The EPP Group successfully protected Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) that are up against the big internet platforms. Businesses that sell their goods on online platforms and rely on search engines to attract customers will have clear parameters for their rankings in the lists.

Philippe Juvin MEP, who negotiated the agreement on behalf of the EPP Group, stressed the importance of the fact that this is the first legislation of this kind at EU level. “The Digital Single Market is getting another boost with these new transparency rules. We want to create the right environment in Europe for the digital economy to grow and new business models to develop.”

The new rules also foresee that Terms and Conditions between platforms and a business have to be in a plain and intelligible language and users have to be notified of any modifications.

On an EPP Group initiative, the new rules will also include drawing up so-called blacklists of unfair practices that customers and businesses can be aware of and be better protected against.

“The EU has set a global standard here to help businesses deal with the growing power of the big platforms”, said Juvin, stressing the advantages for business of the new transparency rules.

At the request of MEPs, the European Commission is obliged to review the rules after 18 months after the entry-into-force.