Google has recently earned a partial victory concerning one of the antitrust lawsuits launched against it. A judgement by Federal Judge Amit Mehta asserts that the Department of Justice (DOJ) along with pivotal states cannot accuse Google of safeguarding a monopoly by preferring its own offerings in search results above other options. As per the verdict, the plaintiffs have failed to provide evidence of an “anti-competitive impact.” Judge Mehta further dismissed antitrust allegations relating to Android’s interoperability and anti-fragmentation agreements, Google Assistant, internet of things devices and the Android Open Source Project.
However, the DOJ still has the opportunity to present its remaining case points, Judge Mehta conveyed. Importantly, officials have charged Google with exploiting its dominance via agreements compelling Android manufacturers to pre-install Google apps and set Google as the default search engine on their mobile browsers. The DOJ and states express apprehension that this blocks competitors such as Bing and DuckDuckGo from achieving significant user traction.
Reacting to the judge’s decision, Google’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker told BuyTechBlog that the company appreciates the judge’s “thorough evaluation” in dismissing the search-related issues. He argued that people opt for Google because it is “useful” and stated that the company would prove in court that its other practices are competitive and lawful. We’re awaiting a response from the DOJ and will update you when we receive it.
The DOJ and affiliated states initiated the lawsuit in 2020. Though they didn’t suggest specific punishments then, potential sanctions could encompass fines, business constraints, and the division of units into separate entities. Google countered these allegations, maintaining that it still competed for partnerships and faced competition from services like Twitter (currently X) and Expedia.
This is not the only antitrust case against Google, even within the US. A coalition of states sued Google in 2020 over supposedly anti-competitive ad pricing. Nonetheless, the restricted scope could complicate the case and potentially diminish the potential damages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Google Antitrust Case
What recent ruling has been made in one of the antitrust cases against Google?
A recent ruling by Federal Judge Amit Mehta has narrowed the scope of the antitrust case against Google, dismissing some allegations made by the Department of Justice and key states, including claims that Google is protecting a monopoly by promoting its own products over alternatives in search results.
What allegations remain against Google in this case?
Despite some allegations being dismissed, Google still faces charges of abusing its power through agreements that require Android manufacturers to pre-load Google apps and set Google as the default search engine on their mobile browsers. The Department of Justice argues this prevents rivals from gaining significant adoption.
How did Google react to the judge’s ruling?
Kent Walker, Google’s President of Global Affairs, welcomed the judge’s decision, maintaining that people choose Google because it’s helpful, and that the company would show at trial that its other practices are both competitive and lawful.
What could be the potential consequences for Google if found guilty?
Potential punishments for Google, if found guilty, could include fines, business restrictions, and possibly breaking up divisions into separate companies.
Are there other antitrust cases against Google?
Yes, this is not the only antitrust case against Google. For instance, an alliance of states also sued Google in 2020 over allegedly anti-competitive ad pricing.
More about Google Antitrust Case
- DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit against Google
- Google’s response to antitrust allegations
- Antitrust Laws and You
- Overview of Google’s Antitrust Issues
- Details on Google’s Android and Search Practices
5 comments
never really understood all these legal stuff, but I guess Google is half relieved now! Let’s see how the rest of the trial goes…
As always, big tech flexing its muscle. Google might have won this round, but the fight aint over yet. Antitrust laws exist for a reason, right?
So I guess Bing and DuckDuckGo are gonna have a tough time, eh? Anyway, I still like Google. They’re always on point.
Man, its a classic case of big corp getting away with things. Where’s the fair competition if they get to decide what we see first?
Hey folks, its not all bad for Google. The case has been narrowed but there are still some serious allegations left. Fines could be big!