The federal antitrust trial against Google, which the U.S. Department of Justice alleges involves unfair domination of the web advertising market, is nearing its conclusion as the tech giant wrapped up its case on Friday.
Google has spent the past three weeks in a Virginia federal court defending against antitrust charges related to its advertising operations.
While the Justice Department characterizes Google as a monopoly, the company asserts that the government has misrepresented how the ad market functions. Google’s attorneys argue that the firm plays a crucial role in helping publishers monetize their businesses.
During the trial, Google claimed that the Justice Department selectively enforced antitrust laws and failed to demonstrate any real harm to competition or consumers.
Google’s legal team contended that the market should be viewed as a two-sided one, where both buyers and sellers utilize a platform to exchange advertising space.
Witnesses for Google have testified that the company does not dictate market conditions and that alternatives exist in the form of other major media companies, including competitors like Meta.
After Google rested its case, the Justice Department called rebuttal witness Matthew Wheatland from DailyMail.com, who challenged Google’s assertions about the ease of switching ad funds to other platforms. With closing arguments scheduled for November 25, U.S.
District Judge Leonie Brinkema will ultimately decide whether Google is a successful tech entity or a monopolist with undue power in the advertising market.
Peoplesmind