The Competition Bureau of Canada is taking legal action against Google, alleging anti-competitive behavior in the online advertising industry. The bureau is seeking an order for Google to sell two advertisement tech tools and to pay a penalty to ensure compliance with Canadian competition laws. Google has responded by stating that there is intense competition in the advertising industry and plans to defend its case in court.
The investigation by the Competition Bureau began in 2020 and expanded to include Google’s advertising technology services. It found that Google has abused its dominant position in the market to maintain and entrench its power. This case mirrors similar efforts by the United States Justice Department to combat Google’s monopoly in online advertising.
Google has argued that it operates within a competitive market and that the US Justice Department has failed to consider the full scope of the online advertising industry. The company has also faced antitrust scrutiny in Europe, where it offered to sell its ad exchange to resolve a separate investigation.
The legal battle between Google and regulatory authorities highlights growing concerns about the tech giant’s market dominance and its impact on competition in the online advertising industry. As the case unfolds in both Canada and the United States, Google will continue to defend its practices and business decisions.
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