In Google We Trust... or so we Thought.

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As of September 10th, 2019, 48 states had launched investigations over the matter of whether or not Google is violating antitrust laws. 

https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/1/9239769/new-google-logo-announced

For the past decade, Google has essentially led the nation as the master of all mobile operating systems, but to many, this leadership has been taken too far. Although not stated by whom, a quote from the video included in the original CBS story stated, “we like wide-open spaces, but we like competition as well.” One of the most prominent arguments of Attorneys General is the idea of “stomping out rivals,” removing the aspect of healthy competition and instead potentially breaking a law in achieving dominance in the industry. As stated by the lead Attorney General Ken Paxton, “This is a company that dominates all aspects of advertising on the internet, as they dominate the buyer, seller, and auction site.” This raises concern and discomfort is not only consumers but also advertisers. Understandably, advertisers are unsure of whether or not Google is prioritizing competitors based solely around setting rates and/or connection with Google’s services. With such an expansive platform covering Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Photos, and more, there is a likely chance competing advertisers would make an effort to utilize these services in an effort to wield Google’s attention and therefore be prioritized higher. This is incredibly deceitful and discomforting to consumers as they are turning to Google for the most reliable and trustworthy information, not information from the company that paid the most for advertising. 
https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/12/5/two-perspectives-on-small-town-southern-life

 One of the most relevant points to this case was the impact that this has had on small businesses and smaller states whose residents rely heavily on products they find online. Simply due to smaller advertising budgets, it is incredibly unfair that they are at a lesser chance to be curated from a Google search than competitors.

Antitrust Investigation on America's Most Trusted


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