US Antitrust Trial Set for September: Google's Digital Ad Practices Under Scrutiny
US Antitrust Trial Set for September: Google's Digital Ad Practices Under Scrutiny
On Monday, a US federal judge scheduled a jury trial to commence on September 9, 2024, in a lawsuit filed by the US Justice Department and a coalition of states against Google. The lawsuit alleges that Google unlawfully monopolised the digital advertising sector by abusing its dominance in digital advertising technology.
The lawsuit, initiated in January 2023, alleges that Google has monopolised the digital advertising market and hindered competition. The government contends that Google should be compelled to divest its ad manager suite.
Google refutes the allegations, asserting that a successful lawsuit would impede innovation, increase advertising costs, and create challenges for numerous small businesses and publishers seeking growth.
The Justice Department, along with Virginia and other states had sought a July date for the trial in Alexandria, Virginia. However, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema explained in an order that a summer trial would have presented logistical challenges.
Google is also scheduled to face a trial in March 2025 in a US federal court in Texas. In this case, a lawsuit filed by Texas and other states alleges that Google’s ad tech practices violate antitrust laws.
In another legal proceeding, a US judge in Washington, D.C., is anticipated to consider closing arguments in May for lawsuits filed by the US Justice Department, Colorado, and other states regarding Google’s web search dominance.
