Without focusing on any specific companies, the e-commerce sector inquiry will look at any potential barriers that businesses may be erecting to cross-border trade of goods, services and digital content across the 28 European Union (EU) member states. The EU has taken a number of similar actions against several internet giants over the years, including a case brought against Microsoft in 2007 and an antitrust investigation against Google launched in 2010.

In addition to announcing the antitrust inquiry, EU officials also rolled out an ambitious, multi-pronged strategy for a "Digital Single Market" for Europe. The program sets 16 goals to be achieved by the end of 2016 aimed at making e-commerce, data sharing and standards more effective and easier to deliver across all EU borders.

Read Full Article