It’s been a while since we’ve heard much from the FairSearch coalition. In fact, they haven’t issued a news release since last April.
FairSearch, if you’ll recall, is an organization made up of Google competitors who banded together to lobby against the search giant and persuade governing bodies that the company is anti-competitive.
One of the big names attached to the coalition was Google’s chief competitor Microsoft, but it appears that this is no longer the case. Re/code is reporting that as of last month, Microsoft is no longer providing financial support to FairSearch. Mark Bergen shares statements from the company as well as the coalition:
“We routinely evaluate our participation in industry organizations and decided not to continue our membership in FairSearch,” a Microsoft spokesman said.
Thomas Vinje, a rep for FairSearch, said: “While we appreciate Microsoft’s contribution while a member, the work of our coalition continues unabated.”
Microsoft had been part of the coalition since 2010, the year it was formed. Remaining members, according to its website, include: dmarketplace.com, Allegro, BusCapé, Expedia, Foundem, Nokia, Oracle, Trip Advisor, and Twenga.
Image via FairSearch