The United States (US) filed a lawsuit against Google after the company allegedly violated competition laws to protect its monopoly on internet search engines and online advertising.
The lawsuit is the largest in a series of lawsuits filed by U.S. authorities against a leading technology firm in recent years.
According to the BBC, the lawsuit, filed in federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice and 11 other states, focuses on the billions of dollars Google pays annually to ensure its search engine is installed as a basic choice on all Internet browsers and devices such as smartphones.
U.S. authorities say the agreement allows Google to maintain its position as a ‘gatekeeper’ to the Internet, thus allowing the company to own and control distribution channels for about 80% of Internet searches for US users.
Adding to the demand, Google's multi-billion dollar deal has affected the public by 'damaging' the quality of Internet search in terms of privacy and data protection as well as limiting options and thwarting innovation
Google described the case as inappropriate and stressed that its sector continues to compete and prioritize customers.
"People use Google because they choose, not because they are forced or unable to find other alternatives," Google said in a statement.
Previously, Google also faced a similar claim from the European Union (EU) amounting to US $ 9.5 billion from 2017-2019. The cases, however, are still in the process of appeal.
