Last Update: February 24, 2023, 13:05 IST
A Google spokesperson said, “They are also free to use mapping services other than the Google Maps platform – and many do.”
According to a report in Politico, Justice Department antitrust attorneys are working to target Google’s vast mapping business, focusing on the company’s control of digital maps and location data.
After facing intense scrutiny of its search and advertising businesses, Google is reportedly facing another potential investigation from the US Department of Justice (DoJ) — this time a potential antitrust investigation into Maps.
According to a report in Politico, Justice Department antitrust attorneys are working to target Google’s vast mapping business, focusing on the company’s control of digital maps and location data.
“A lawsuit targeting Google Maps could be filed this year,” the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.
The report noted, “DOJ officials have been meeting with Google’s competitors and customers in recent weeks to determine whether to challenge its dominant position in the market for digital maps and location information.” Who would be the best witness in any potential trial.”
The Google Maps investigation “is a priority for the Department’s Antitrust Division, and prosecutors are working expeditiously to reach a conclusion”.
The DOJ is also investigating Google’s offering of automotive services to automakers, which provides Google Maps with the Google Play app store and the company’s voice assistant.
The DOJ and a group of state attorneys general first sued Google in October 2020, accusing the company of illegally monopolizing the online search market.
The case is currently set for trial in September.
Google was also hit with a second case from the DOJ and an overlapping group of states targeting its online advertising business.
The company has always said that its policies are designed to improve the user experience.
A Google spokesperson was quoted as saying that “developers choose to use the Google Maps platform over many options because they believe it provides helpful, high-quality information”.
“They are also free to use mapping services other than the Google Maps platform – and many do,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Last September, a US court allowed a major antitrust case against Google to proceed, alleging the tech giant monopolized the ad-tech market and stifled competition with its access to data. Have given.
The judge, however, dismissed claims of collusion between Google and Facebook (now Meta) in the “Jedi Blue” program, a deal in which Google and Facebook allegedly joined hands to auction ads.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)