The groundbreaking U.S. v. Google complaint is a huge step toward breaking Big Tech’s  monopolistic control over America’s digital economy

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging that Google engaged in anti-competitive behavior to build and maintain its monopoly power in search and search advertising.

The complaint is the government’s most important antitrust action since the Microsoft case more than 20 years ago. It comes only two weeks after the House antitrust subcommittee, chaired by Rep. David Cicilline, released its landmark report on the dangers posed by Google, Amazon, and Facebook, and recommended a complete restructuring of the industry.

In response, Sally Hubbard, director of enforcement strategy at Open Markets Institute, issued the following response:

“Today, the DOJ filed an incredibly strong antitrust case against Google. Google’s monopoly power and anti-competitive conduct are far-reaching, and the complaint only addresses a portion of Google’s monopolization. But the complaint is a critically important start, one that will be supplemented by lawsuits by state attorneys general in the coming months. DOJ’s allegations are damning, and the combination of clear monopoly power plus exclusive agreements constitute unquestionable violations of Section 2 of the Sherman Act.

“This case marks a clear turning point for antitrust in America. After years of inaction, the recent momentum to take strong action against Big Tech shows that the American people are finally ready to stop corporations such as Google from dominating our markets, destroying competition, extorting independent businesses, and depriving buyers of the choice and innovation that open markets bring.

“Thanks to the report by the House Judiciary’s antitrust subcommittee, this case, and the two ongoing investigations by state attorneys general, the anti-monopoly movement to hold big corporations accountable is taking center stage in America.”

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Background:

Sally Hubbard’s testimony from the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust’s October hearing.

Hubbard’s forthcoming book on monopolies and antitrust law.