The Justice Department files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google

Google's search and advertising businesses had emerged as key areas of interest for antitrust regulators. Attorney generals from almost every state have also been probing Google's practices. Lawmakers and consumer advocates have long accused Google of abusing its dominance in online search and advertising. The case filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that Google uses billions of dollars collected from advertisers to pay phone manufacturers to ensure Google is the default search engine on browsers. The government states that this action stifles competition and innovation from smaller upstart rivals to Google and harms consumers by reducing the quality of search and limiting privacy protections and alternative search options.