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Google: Google vs the US government: What, why and all other details of one of the biggest court fight of the decade
The US Justice Department and a coalition of state attorneys general will launch one of the largest antitrust lawsuits ever against Google on Tuesday (September 12). it Google In the biggest antitrust trial in decades, US vs. Here’s a ready reckoner on the issue that answers all the major issues:
What is the stance of the American government?
The US government lawsuit was filed in 2020 during the Trump administration. The US and its state allies argue that Google illegally stifled competition by paying billions of dollars Apple and other business partners will ensure that Search engine This will be the default on most phones and web browsers. The lawsuit claims that these deals were intended to be “exclusionary” by Google, deny competitors access to search queries and clicks, and allow Google to consolidate its market dominance.
According to government estimates, Google has gained 90% market share in search in the US in recent years. The government said browser agreements resulted in reduced choices for consumers and harmed innovation.
What Google says in its defense
Google argues that despite capturing approximately 90% of the Internet search market, it faces extensive competition. In a January court filing, Google said its browser agreements were “legitimate competition” and not “illegal exclusion.” Google argues that the agreements do not prevent rivals from developing their own search engines or prevent companies such as Apple and Mozilla from promoting them. Rather, makers of phones and web browsers set Google Search as their default because they wanted to provide the “highest quality” experience for their customers, Google claimed in its January filing.
Google further says in its claim that mobile users can easily switch if they want to use another search engine.
What does US law say?
It is generally not illegal for a business to make an arrangement with one customer that excludes others. Such exclusive deals are common, and when a company lacking market power cannot meaningfully influence the competition, they do not attract much regulatory scrutiny.
However, if a company is so large or powerful that it prevents competitors from entering the market, exclusive deals may violate antitrust laws.
Challenge for the US government
The Justice Department must prove that Google’s business deals harmed competition for search. After the government presents its case, Google will have its chance to argue in a non-jury trial that its deals benefit consumers.
What happens if Google loses?
The US and the state allies are not seeking monetary penalties, but rather seeking to prevent Google from continuing alleged anti-competitive practices. This means that if Google loses, there could be significant business implications for the company. The court can break up the company as a fix. But before the court rules that Google broke the law, another trial will decide what steps should be taken to rein in the California-based company.
Similar to US vs. Microsoft antitrust trial
The case is seen as one of the biggest challenges to the power of the tech industry since the DOJ sued Microsoft in 1998. The trial court in that case found that Microsoft had tried to unlawfully block rival browser Netscape Navigator by bundling its Internet Explorer with the Windows operating system. Microsoft later reached a settlement.
Sundar Pichai And other top Google and Apple executives may testify
Top Google executives, including Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, are likely to testify. Court documents also reveal that Apple’s AD Cue may also be summoned to court.
How long can the goggle test last?
google test It is expected to last about 10 weeks. The judge is not expected to rule until early 2024.
who is hearing the case
US District Judge Amit Mehta was appointed to the bench in 2014 by then US President Barack Obama. He has overseen several major antitrust disputes, including Sysco Corp.’s $3.5 billion merger with US Foods.
(with agency input)
What is the stance of the American government?
The US government lawsuit was filed in 2020 during the Trump administration. The US and its state allies argue that Google illegally stifled competition by paying billions of dollars Apple and other business partners will ensure that Search engine This will be the default on most phones and web browsers. The lawsuit claims that these deals were intended to be “exclusionary” by Google, deny competitors access to search queries and clicks, and allow Google to consolidate its market dominance.
According to government estimates, Google has gained 90% market share in search in the US in recent years. The government said browser agreements resulted in reduced choices for consumers and harmed innovation.
What Google says in its defense
Google argues that despite capturing approximately 90% of the Internet search market, it faces extensive competition. In a January court filing, Google said its browser agreements were “legitimate competition” and not “illegal exclusion.” Google argues that the agreements do not prevent rivals from developing their own search engines or prevent companies such as Apple and Mozilla from promoting them. Rather, makers of phones and web browsers set Google Search as their default because they wanted to provide the “highest quality” experience for their customers, Google claimed in its January filing.
Google further says in its claim that mobile users can easily switch if they want to use another search engine.
What does US law say?
It is generally not illegal for a business to make an arrangement with one customer that excludes others. Such exclusive deals are common, and when a company lacking market power cannot meaningfully influence the competition, they do not attract much regulatory scrutiny.
However, if a company is so large or powerful that it prevents competitors from entering the market, exclusive deals may violate antitrust laws.
Challenge for the US government
The Justice Department must prove that Google’s business deals harmed competition for search. After the government presents its case, Google will have its chance to argue in a non-jury trial that its deals benefit consumers.
What happens if Google loses?
The US and the state allies are not seeking monetary penalties, but rather seeking to prevent Google from continuing alleged anti-competitive practices. This means that if Google loses, there could be significant business implications for the company. The court can break up the company as a fix. But before the court rules that Google broke the law, another trial will decide what steps should be taken to rein in the California-based company.
Similar to US vs. Microsoft antitrust trial
The case is seen as one of the biggest challenges to the power of the tech industry since the DOJ sued Microsoft in 1998. The trial court in that case found that Microsoft had tried to unlawfully block rival browser Netscape Navigator by bundling its Internet Explorer with the Windows operating system. Microsoft later reached a settlement.
Sundar Pichai And other top Google and Apple executives may testify
Top Google executives, including Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, are likely to testify. Court documents also reveal that Apple’s AD Cue may also be summoned to court.
How long can the goggle test last?
google test It is expected to last about 10 weeks. The judge is not expected to rule until early 2024.
who is hearing the case
US District Judge Amit Mehta was appointed to the bench in 2014 by then US President Barack Obama. He has overseen several major antitrust disputes, including Sysco Corp.’s $3.5 billion merger with US Foods.
(with agency input)
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