Google proposes auctioning off search result placements after EU fine: report

Google is offering to auction off spots in its search results to rival comparison shopping sites following a record $2.9 billion fine from the European Union, according to Reuters.

The fine came after Google was accused of favoring its own comparison service. The internet search giant is hoping that the remedy would bring it in line with the EU’s order to alter its search practices to give equal weight to competitors.

Google made a similar proposal three years ago when it unsuccessfully tried to settle the EU’s investigation.

{mosads}A Google spokeswoman declined to comment.

Under the reported proposal, Google would bid against its rivals to display items for sale in search results. Google’s bids would be capped at a certain price that other bidders would be allowed to exceed, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The EU gave Google until late September to alter its search results to comply with the order. Google submitted a plan to regulators in August but did not publicly disclose details.