Google Broke Trade Law with Search Monopoly, US Court Rules [Video]

The news: In a landmark decision, US District Judge Amit Mehta has ruled against Google in an antitrust case, finding the tech giant broke US trade law by monopolizing the search and advertising markets. As the first major tech monopoly lawsuit decided in recent years, it could potentially lead to greater search competition and innovation.

This verdict stems from lawsuits filed in 2020 by the US Department of Justice and 38 states accusing Google of anticompetitive practices.

According to court filings:

• Google controls nearly 90% of US search market share, rising to 95% on mobile devices.
• Its closest rival, Microsoft’s Bing, holds a mere 6% market share.
• The company spent $26 billion in 2021 on exclusive agreements to be the default search engine.
• These deals were deemed anticompetitive, violating Section 2 of the Sherman Act.

The ruling: Google’s monopoly has led to higher advertising prices and lower quality search services, while stifling competition from smaller players.

• The court dismissed …