Connect with us

News

US Judge Rules Google’s Online Search Monopoly Illegal

Published

on

US Judge Rules Google's Online Search Monopoly Illegal

In a landmark decision, a US judge has ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain its monopoly on online search and related advertising, dealing a significant blow to Alphabet, Google’s parent company. This decision could have far-reaching implications for how major technology companies conduct business.

The lawsuit, filed by the US Department of Justice in 2020, focused on Google’s control of approximately 90% of the online search market. It is part of a broader effort by US antitrust authorities to enhance competition in the tech industry through several lawsuits against big tech companies.

This case poses a potential existential threat to Google and Alphabet due to their dominance in the search and online advertising sectors. The penalties Google and Alphabet will face are yet to be determined, with fines or other remedies to be decided in a future hearing. The government has requested “structural relief,” which could theoretically involve breaking up the company.

Advertisement

US District Judge Amit Mehta noted in his 277-page opinion that Google paid billions to ensure its search engine remained the default on smartphones and browsers. “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly,” Judge Mehta stated.

In response, Alphabet announced its plans to appeal the ruling. “This decision recognizes that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn’t be allowed to make it easily available,” the company said in a statement.

Federal antitrust regulators have also filed lawsuits against other Big Tech companies, including Meta Platforms (owner of Facebook), Amazon, and Apple, accusing them of maintaining unlawful monopolies.

Advertisement

The ruling follows a 10-week trial in Washington, DC, where prosecutors accused Google of spending billions annually to secure its position as the default search engine across platforms, such as Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla. The US government alleged that Google typically pays over $10 billion annually for this privilege, which provides access to user data critical for sustaining its market dominance.

Google’s defense argued that users are drawn to their search engine because of its usefulness and that Google invests in improving it for consumers. “Google is winning because it’s better,” said Google’s lawyer John Schmidtlein during closing arguments. He also contended that Google faces significant competition from other search engines like Microsoft’s Bing and specialized sites and apps used for specific searches, such as restaurants and flights.

In his ruling, Judge Mehta concluded that being the default search engine is “extremely valuable real estate” for Google.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing

Published

on

Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing

In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.

The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.

Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.

Advertisement

Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Continue Reading

News

Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict

Published

on

Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.

In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.

Advertisement

Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.

Continue Reading

News

Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire

Published

on

Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire

Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.

The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.

Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending