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USA: Google ran illegal monopoly, according to federal judge
A historic decision: a US court addresses the issue of Big Tech monopoly
On 5 August 2024, a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws (Sherman Act – section 2) in a landmark case that could have major implications in the Internet ecosystem.
Judge Amit Mehta found that “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly” over search services.
This decision falls in line with the calls from the US Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and the European regulators to address big tech players' monopolistic practices.
The decision, considered as one of the largest antitrust decisions in decades, points out the various mechanisms put in place by Google to secure its dominant position. For instance, the tech giant has spent billions of dollars on exclusive contracts – with Apple for instance – to make its search engine the default search provider on smartphones and web browsers.
Google’s arguments such as the specificities of the digital environment, the risk to slow down innovation or the free of charge nature of the services, were swept away by the judge. The decision highlights the market power held by the US company thanks to data collected from the users, making it indispensable for users, media companies and advertisers.
According to the judge, such anticompetitive behaviour must be stopped.
A separate proceeding will determine what penalties Google will face.
The tech giant has already stated that they will appeal this decision, that US government calls “historic”. Another antitrust lawsuit is expected this year against the US company, focusing this time on its advertising practices and technology.