Google illegally maintains monopoly over internet search, judge rules
Google illegally maintains monopoly over internet search, judge rules
A judge ruled that Google’s ubiquitous search engine has been illegally exploiting its dominance to squash competition and stifle innovation.
"WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge on Monday ruled that Google’s ubiquitous search engine has been illegally exploiting its dominance to squash competition and stifle innovation in a seismic decision that could shake up the internet and hobble one of the world’s best-known companies..."
Even if the punishment is largely symbolic and Google only pays a tiny (compared to it's massive size) fine; I'd still call that a significant win.
- Google can be REQUIRED to give users A CHOICE of Search Engines.
- Google can be FORBIDDEN from giving their OWN ENGINE an advantage in search results or advertising
- Google can be FORCED to ALLOW THIRD PARTIES access to the SAME APIs used in Chrome and Chromium.
- Google can be FORBIDDEN from BLOCKING THIRD PARTY FRONTENDS from using Google Search, Youtube and more.
Google gained their initial position fair and square. They had the better search engine, and despite the likes of Bing being actually pretty good they were never able to compete.
All Google had to do was to follow its initial mantra of "don't be evil". That's literally all it needed to do. Sadly, they were evil, and these are the seeds of that evil. I maintain today that Chrome, YouTube, Maps, and Search would still be dominant if Google were to welcome third-parties to compete and take space on their devices.
This, IMO, is a case that is damaging to their CEO above anything else. It shows that over the last few years many of the steps taken that have alienated fans and employees have actually damaged the company too. The exec actions have damaged them, and as such the execs should pay the price or course-correct.
The judge said it was a monopoly but there does not seem to be any consequences at this time if ever.
Mehta’s conclusion that Google has been running an illegal monopoly sets up another legal phase to determine what sorts of changes or penalties should be imposed to reverse the damage done and restore a more competitive landscape.
The potential outcome could result in a wide-ranging order requiring Google to dismantle some of the pillars of its internet empire or prevent it from paying to ensure its search engine automatically answers queries on the iPhone and other devices. Or, the judge could conclude only modest changes are required to level the playing field.
It already hobbled itself by letting the results quality slide for 15+ years…
It might not be much but it's still legal precedent that will hopefully help it reach critical mass. Like getting Al Capone on tax evasion
After reviewing [evidence from] Google, Microsoft and Apple... Mehta [gave a verdict]
Really, this is just a win for Facebhook?
We need a federated search engine. Whatever fedia.io runs on but for search.
So stoked to see this. A bit disheartening to read this kinda shit, though=
“This victory against Google is an historic win for the American people,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “No company — no matter how large or influential — is above the law. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our antitrust laws.”
Only to be followed a few paragraphs down by
...a drawn-out appeals process will delay any immediate effects for both consumers and advertisers. The appeals process could take as long as five years...
Sigh.
I may be misunderstanding but why are people saying take down chromium? Please correct me if I'm wrong but chromium is open source and only invested in largely by Google. Chrome is chromium with proprietary code implemented and in no way (as far as I can tell) do they own the chromium project. I quite like chromium just the de-googled version. I think people may be mistaking Chrome and Chromium for being the same or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe someone can explain if I'm missing something
Also I'd love to see the downfall of Google but nothing will change the power they have. The names too recognizable it doesn't matter if given a choice , Grandma or Grandpa or whoever that doesn't care about this sort of thing is picking Google because out of the common options they'll probably only recognize Bing or Google maybe some Yahoo too lol
Edit: I don't understand why I'm being downvoted , I was asking a question and explaining what I understood about the project but that's the internet I suppose haha
In other news rain is wet. Damn the legal system is so inept and corrupt. This has been clear for what, like 20 years now. Should have been deemed illegal all along. For profit companies will always seek market domination to maximize profits, always have and always will. It's the legal system & authorities job to regulate so it doesn't happen and take swift action when it does.
They should also break up Google's stranglehold on the browser market but I guess that'll take another decade or two at least as well. Sadly meanwhile this ruling could lead to Mozilla losing its main funding if Google can't keep paying to be default search engine which could lead to even less choice in the browser space.
Google is the best internet search according to Bing.
Bit confused, Google has its own browser, its own search engine, and provides a somewhat easy method to access the majority of the Internet and does it well but some people are upset because they cannot compete? What is the point in doing something so good that you become the best in the business? Everyone comes to you for your service, but you get punished because you're a monopoly? I'm thinking about Valve here as well. It's a major retail platform for PC games because nobody does it better. Publishers get upset its top dog, and their shity half arsed clients get no light.
Is it not the point of a business to make money and be good at their service that they increase revenue yearly and drive innovation?