Google CEO Sundar Pichai apologises for document, EU’s Thierry Breton warns internet is not Wild West

BRUSSELS: Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has apologised to Europe’s industry chief Thierry Breton over a leaked internal document proposing ways to counter the EU’s tough new rules for technology companies.

Pichai and Breton exchanged views in a video-conference call late on Thursday, the third this year, according to a statement from the European Commission.

“The Internet cannot remain a ‘Wild West’: we need clear and transparent rules, a predictable environment and balanced rights and obligations,” Breton told Pichai.

The call came after a Google internal document outlined a 60-day strategy to counter the European Union’s push for the new rules by getting U.S. allies to push back against Breton.