Google needs to debunk European charges and improve privacy policies

[Commentary] There is a war going on in Europe that could have a significant impact on the US and its economy: Europe's war against American tech companies -- especially Google.

The most serious claim is that Google's search intentionally downgrades competitors, making it impossible for others to reach scale. This places a burden on Google to show that it does not engage in anti-competitive practices. However, you have to wonder whether the inability of European entrepreneurs to swiftly innovate and compete has something to do with Europe's heavily regulated business environment -- the anti-Silicon Valley, you might say. There is one European concern we definitely share, however: user privacy. So we cheer on the EU as it attacks on the privacy front, and hope Google can neutralize the anti-competitive claim, whether by debunking it or changing some policies. As to the rest of the complaints, instead of attacking the Silicon Valley quartet, Europe might try giving its entrepreneurs the space to innovate that Silicon Valley offers. Stimulate European competition instead of stifling US companies.

Better privacy and more, not less, innovation. Now that's real consumer protection.