"American consumers are forced to accept Google's policies, privacy practices, and use of personal data; and new companies with innovative business models cannot emerge from Google's long shadow." The government argues that Google has abused its monopoly power through agreements with other companies that promote Google's apps and place its "search access points" as a default on browsers, phones and other devices. The complaint mentions loss of privacy and the use of consumers' data as quality issues, although without elaborating. Rivals who run specialized search businesses, such as Yelp, Expedia and Tripadvisor, have long argued that they're harmed by Google's business practices. At the same time, it's never been certain how much the average American cares about the impacts of Google's market dominance and the way it uses people's information.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 21, 2020 17:48 UTC