Title: Google’s anti-trust lawsuit: a threat to the search engine monopoly
Introduction :
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, a major anti-trust trial involving Google opened in Washington. The technology giant is accused by the US government of having illegally abused its dominant position in the search engine market in order to consolidate its leadership in a monopolistic manner. This affair shakes the industry and raises many questions about the future of Google and the regulation of the online search engine sector.
The accusations against Google: the consolidation of a monopoly
The US government accuses Google of having acquired an overwhelming share of the search market, reaching up to 90%. To achieve this, the company reportedly paid billions of dollars to partner companies, including Apple, to ensure its search engine was the default choice on their devices. This strategy would have allowed Google to make its competitors difficult to access, thereby denying all access to search queries and clicks.
The legal issues of the case
In the United States, Google’s anti-trust lawsuit relies on the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890, which aims to limit anti-competitive practices by companies. Similarly, in Europe, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union prohibits antitrust practices that restrict competition and abuse a dominant position.
Google’s turnover in question
Despite these accusations, Google continues to thrive. In the second quarter of 2023, the company recorded revenue of $74.6 billion, distributed primarily among its advertising businesses. Google Ads represents 57% of its revenue, followed by Google AdSense with 10.5%. Google’s non-advertising revenue also grew, increasing 24.2% from the previous year.
The potential impact on the online search industry
This Google antitrust lawsuit could have major consequences for the online search industry. If the US government succeeds in proving the accusations against Google, regulatory measures could be put in place to promote healthier competition and limit the company’s market power. This could open up new opportunities for Google’s competitors and enable greater diversity in online search.
Conclusion :
Google’s antitrust lawsuit marks a significant turning point in the online search engine industry. Charges against tech giant highlight competition and regulatory issues in this evolving sector. The outcome of this lawsuit will determine the future of Google and could shape the way search engines operate in the future.