DOJ Sues Google for Violating Antitrust Laws

On October 20, 2020, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sued Google for allegedly violating antitrust laws that protect consumers from unfair business practices and ensure fair competition. A Department of Justice press release explained that a civil antitrust lawsuit had been filed against Google by the DOJ and 11 state attorneys general.

The lawsuit alleges that Google abuses its power in the realm of online databases and that it employs exclusionary tactics to stifle its competitors, such as ensuring other search engines are not displayed in the list of results and working with tech companies to ensure Google is the browser installed on most smartphones. The lawsuit also alleges that Google sells consumer information to advertisers who then exploit consumer data. Most services at Google are free in exchange for the user sharing their private information with the company.

Attorney General William Barr said, “Today, millions of Americans rely on the Internet and online platforms for their daily lives.  Competition in this industry is vitally important, which is why today’s challenge against Google — the gatekeeper of the Internet — for violating antitrust laws is a monumental case both for the Department of Justice and for the American people.”

Google currently accounts for about 90 percent of global searches. In the past, the DOJ has taken action against other companies for violating anti-trust laws, such as AT&T in 1974 and Microsoft in 1998.

According to the DOJ, Google’s alleged violation of antitrust laws stifles the next wave of innovation by preventing other companies from developing and innovating new technologies. The lawsuit asserts this anticompetitive practice harms consumers and other businesses.

In response to these allegations, Google said in a tweet, “Today’s lawsuit by the Department of Justice is deeply flawed. People use Google because they choose to — not because they’re forced to or because they can’t find alternatives.”