Google faces $9 billion UK lawsuit after US monopoly ruling

Summary: Google faces legal challenges in both the United States and the United Kingdom following accusations of anti-competitive behavior in the search engine and web browser markets. The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has rejected Google’s attempt to dismiss a £7 billion lawsuit, adding to the company’s regulatory woes.

The lawsuit, brought by consumer rights advocate Nikki Stopford on behalf of UK residents who purchased goods from businesses using Google’s ad services, alleges that the company’s dominance in online search and advertising led to increased costs for consumers. The case also criticizes Google’s practices with Android device manufacturers and Apple in promoting its search engine and Chrome browser.

The UK case is related to a 2018 decision by the European Commission, which fined Google for similar anti-competitive practices. In the US, a judge recently ruled that Google’s monopoly status is unlawful, prompting the Department of Justice to recommend remedies such as selling Chrome and altering search engine revenue deals.

Google’s agreements with Apple have also come under scrutiny by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, highlighting concerns over market dominance and restrictions on browser development. Critics argue that Google’s market share poses a threat to competition and innovation, limiting opportunities for smaller competitors.