US DoJ takes Google to court over monopoly

Google is facing another antitrust battle in a Virginia court, where the US Justice Department has accused the tech giant of monopolising the online advertising industry. Prosecutors argue that Google controls the infrastructure that handles hundreds of thousands of ad sales each second, using its size and dominance to push out competitors and restrict customer choice.

The trial, which US District Judge Leonie Brinkema is hearing, focuses on claims that Google acquired rivals and manipulated market transactions to gain control over both advertisers and publishers. The government’s case highlights how Google allegedly stifled competition and locked customers into its products, tactics reminiscent of traditional monopolies.

Google’s defence, led by attorney Karen Dunn, refuted the accusations by arguing that the case is based on outdated market conditions. She noted that Google now faces significant competition from other major tech companies like Amazon and Comcast and that its tools have evolved to work alongside its rivals.

As the trial progresses, prosecutors push for Google to be forced to sell off essential parts of its ad business, including Google Ad Manager. The case is part of a broader effort by US authorities to curb the dominance of Big Tech, with other lawsuits targeting companies such as Apple, Meta, and Amazon.