The US Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging that the internet behemoth manipulated the online environment to preserve its unchallenged dominance in online search.
The study, which started on September 12 and might run up to 10 weeks, will have a big impact on how the internet and the IT sector develop in the future.
(Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Google Chief Economist Hal Varian (R) arrives at federal court on September 12, 2023, in Washington, DC.
The Government's Claim
Since 2010, Google has been charged by the US Justice Department for illegally maintaining its monopoly in internet search. The business is charged with transferring billions of dollars every year to important members of the digital ecosystem, like Apple, AT&T, and Mozilla, to ensure that Google's search engine remains the only option.
The prosecution claims that Google's anti-competitive activity stunted innovation and took focus off of important issues like consumer privacy. The argument concerns how the internet will develop in the future and how Google will be motivated to advance.
Whether Google broke any antitrust rules in how it managed its search and search advertising is the subject of the company's trial, presided over by Judge Amit Mehta. If guilty, the court will decide what punishments are appropriate, such as continuing to engage in criminal activity or selling off Google assets.
The government's request for structural relief is ambiguous, which raises questions about how the trial will turn out.
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Responding With Proof
In a crucial trial, Google's defense contends that its market dominance results from its success as a search engine, not from illegal activity.
The internet company asserts that people may use its services for free and have the option to deactivate the Google app or input different search terms. The legal team for Google contends that customers stick with the business because it constantly provides trustworthy solutions, forging a partnership that benefits both parties.
Whether Google broke any antitrust rules in how it managed its search and search advertising is the subject of the company's trial, presided over by Judge Amit Mehta. If guilty, the court will decide what punishments are appropriate, such as continuing to engage in criminal activity or selling off Google assets.
The government's request for structural relief is ambiguous, which raises questions about how the trial will turn out.
Who Else?
The judicial conflict around Google's antitrust claims has wide-ranging effects on the IT sector. Major firms like Amazon.com frequently avoid the full impact of antitrust accusations by providing free or inexpensive services, while being accused of engaging in monopolistic activity, acquiring rivals, and limiting innovation.
This trial is compared to important antitrust cases like the Microsoft case from 1998 and the AT&T case from 1974, which helped establish the modern telecommunications sector and promoted competition in the digital space, opening doors for newcomers like Google.
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