The Justice Department is nearing the end of its antitrust case against Google, accusing the tech giant of monopolizing the technology used in online advertising. The case, unfolding in a federal courtroom in Virginia, centers on whether Google has unfairly dominated the market for matching buyers and sellers of online ads.
Google's defense argues that the focus on a specific type of advertising is too narrow, pointing out competition from social media and streaming services in the broader online advertising landscape.
Key witnesses, including Google executives, have faced scrutiny for contradicting their written communications with their testimonies. The government highlighted an email from a Google product manager questioning the company's ownership of various advertising components, drawing parallels to financial institutions owning stock exchanges.
The Justice Department contends that Google's control over ad space sales, ad buying technology, and ad exchanges has stifled competition, allowing Google to charge high fees. Witnesses have downplayed their written statements, attributing them to speculation or late-night musings.
The trial also revealed Google's document retention policies, including efforts to shield sensitive communications from regulators. The judge criticized these practices as inappropriate but has not issued specific penalties.
While a separate case in D.C. recently deemed Google's search engine a monopoly, the Virginia trial focuses on ad tech, which still generates significant revenue for the company. The trial has progressed swiftly, with the government presenting witnesses over nine consecutive days and nearing the end of its case. Google is expected to begin presenting its defense witnesses soon.
