(RightIsRight.co) – Big Tech’s influence has grown over the past few years, now to a point where they’re able to manipulate internet searches, change what users see on their news feeds, and even censor individuals and politicians. Many states have chosen to fight back with an antitrust lawsuit against Google.
The Bipartisan Coalition Against Google
As of Thursday, December 17, 38 states and US territories have filed an antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant, making this the third suit against the Alphabet-owned company.
The lawsuit alleges Google has manipulated its search results in order to limit its rival’s access to its customers. The complaint calls the company the “gateway to the internet” and hopes to address the tech giant’s systematic degradation of competitors.
In recent years, almost 90% of all internet searches have gone through Google, giving the company plenty of opportunities to manipulate its users and push away anyone who dared impose on their search monopoly.
The CEO of digital content company Next points out a few promising parts of the lawsuit:
Like with Facebook, the lawsuit significantly includes the intersection of data and antitrust and the erosion of privacy and capturing of profits as Google achieved market power and could weaponize data. The state AGs very clearly understand Google's business model. /4 pic.twitter.com/ukWyMkjs2v
— Jason Kint (@jason_kint) December 16, 2020
This new lawsuit adds to the civil antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Google in October. Google responded to that lawsuit here:
The DOJ’s deeply flawed lawsuit would do nothing to help consumers. It could actually raise phone prices, make it harder for people to access the services they want, and artificially prop up lower quality search services. Read our blog post→https://t.co/iNnNL6yvNK
— Google Public Policy (@googlepubpolicy) October 20, 2020
Google’s Response to the Latest Allegations
In a public policy release by Google’s Director of Economic Policy, Adam Cohen, the tech giant said its current search setup has been constructed out of consumers’ demands for what’s most helpful to them. So, to change its search results “would harm the quality of your search results.” The company shared more on Twitter:
We know scrutiny of big companies is important & we’re prepared to answer questions & work through issues. But this lawsuit would deprive Americans of helpful information & hurt businesses’ ability to connect directly with customers. We look forward to making that case in court.
— Google Public Policy (@googlepubpolicy) December 17, 2020
Google has shown repeatedly that it’s able to manipulate search results to what it thinks users want to see. However, that leaves the flow of information to you in the hands of a money-hungry company. If the attorneys general are able to win this suit, we could reimagine the free flow of information on the internet, creating a healthier and happier society.
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