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Google sued for alleged anticompetitive practices

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
17 December 2020
Allegedly, Google secretly offered Facebook data and policy exceptions to be ahead of the competition

It seems like the middle of the week is not the best one for some of the largest tech companies in the world. After the Chinese market regulator fined Alibaba and two other companies for not reporting past acquisitions, Google is being sued in the US.

Texas and other nine states sued Google over abuse of “ownership of digital ad marketplaces to unfairly enrich itself at the expense of fair competition.” According to the filing, Google stifled and harmed innovation, publishers, advertisers, and consumers.

For Google, this is the second antitrust suit in 2020. In October, the US Justice Department sued the giant over similar allegations. At that time, eleven states joined the class-action case.

Moreover, the lawsuit, which involves Texas and the other nine states, accused both Google and Facebook of conducting deals meant to illegally consolidate their market power. Allegedly, Facebook received access to Google’s data and policy exceptions that helped its clients place more ads than others could.

However, the complaint states that “given the scope and extensive nature of cooperation between the two companies, Google and Facebook were highly aware that their agreement could trigger antitrust violations. The two companies discussed, negotiated, and memorialized how they would cooperate with one another.” 

Peter Schottenfels, a Google spokesman, stated that accusations are inaccurate, and Facebook doesn’t receive preferential treatment. Facebook didn’t comment.

At the moment of writing, Google stock price closed the session 0.27% lower, while Facebook gained 0.04%.

Read here about Alibaba and the Chinese market regulator!

Sources: edition.cnn.com, reuters.com, finance.yahoo.com

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.