The Wall Street Journal reported (WP link) that the Department of Justice may open up an antitrust probe against Google again.
Let me directly upfront that I know very little about legal issues, little about the DOJ and government politics and law. I know when I watch congressional or senate questioning about a topic I know about, it shows how little our government reps know about the topic.
I know Google won a previous antitrust case years ago. But this case, if it is happening, is unclear:
The exact focus of the Justice Department’s investigation is unclear. The department began work on the matter after brokering an agreement with the government’s other antitrust agency, the Federal Trade Commission, to take the lead on antitrust oversight of Google, according to the people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deliberations are confidential.
The folks at WebmasterWorld are saying some fun things:
We'll have to wait and see what happens. In the past these things have "started" and never gone anywhere.
I am sure that "Alphabet" anticipated this since a very long time, and is prepared ... so that, at the end nothing will really change happy!
Its about freakin time. Obviously I’m not the only who who’s been writing letters!
Looks like FTC, Justice, and Congress are all taking up investigations. Google (Alphabet, Search, Ad biz, YouTube), Facebook, Amazon ... all are up for investigation(s).
The icing on the cake is Google's restraint of trade - not allowing websites to link to each other. I'll make damn sure the DOJ knows about that little infraction.
Greg Sterling who is way smarter than me wrote it up at Search Engine Land earlier this week. Also Rand Fishkin wrote up his thoughts at Sparktoro. Rand also posted this stream of thoughts on Twitter:
First, the argument/case being made is NOT: "Google has a monopoly in search and that's wrong/unfair".
— Rand Fishkin (@randfish) June 2, 2019
The DOJ (and concerned citizens) are arguing: "Google used its monopoly in search to give themselves unfair advantages in other businesses".
/2
And now with Google Hotels/Flights, are they treating all travel competitors fairly in search? Does everyone get the same opportunity for visibility (in both paid & organic), or does Google give favored treatment to Alphabet-owned properties? /4
— Rand Fishkin (@randfish) June 2, 2019
These are the types of questions that show use of monopoly power in one business/field to unfairly compete in others. That's where the issues are, and that's where I'll focus my post. If you have Qs, suggested links, examples, etc. I would LOVE help! Thanks all 🙏 /fin
— Rand Fishkin (@randfish) June 2, 2019
If there are other parts of Google's behavior you think are clear cut cases of anti-competitive behavior, or unfair use of monopoly power that I should cover, please let me know (esp. if you've got good resources I can check out/cite). Thanks!
— Rand Fishkin (@randfish) June 3, 2019
I honestly have no real thoughts on this. When it comes to politics, taxes, and governments - I personally find I rather spend my time working on stuff I can make a real impact with. So I spend the time and energy on other things than that topic. I just have zero interest in these topics - I know, I am weird.
If some law comes out where Google needs to make changes, then I'd cover that and what it means to the SEO community. I think we have some time for that...
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
