'Break up Google if it misuses dominance'

"Such conditions are, in market terms, not sensible, not healthy," he said.

"So yes, if Google misuses its dominant position to systematically push aside competitors, then as a last means something like a dissolution should be considered," he said.

Defiance is strong in Germany over the US internet search engine's dominant position.

German-based media giant Axel Springer is among a group of players in Europe's digital markets which has lodged a complaint with the European Commission against what it alleges are new anti-competitive abuses by Google.

Mr Maas admitted however that he used Google daily. "I am unfortunately part of the problem," he said.

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