Google Faces £7 Billion Class Action Lawsuit in UK Over Search Dominance Abuse

November 25, 2024 at 5:45:50 PM

TL;DR Google faces a £7 billion class action lawsuit in the UK for allegedly abusing its dominance in search, leading to higher advertising costs and consumer prices. The case, filed by Nikki Stopford, claims Google forced Android phone makers to use Google Search and Chrome and paid Apple to make Google the default search engine on Safari. Despite Google's attempt to dismiss the case, the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled it can proceed.

Google Faces £7 Billion Class Action Lawsuit in UK Over Search Dominance Abuse

Google faces a £7 billion ($8.8 billion) class action lawsuit in the UK, accusing it of abusing its dominance in search to harm consumers. The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruled that the case, filed by consumer rights advocate Nikki Stopford in September 2023, can proceed. The lawsuit claims Google's anticompetitive practices increased advertising costs, leading to higher consumer prices. It also alleges Google forced Android phone makers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome and paid Apple billions to make Google the default search engine on Safari.

Key Points

Class Action Lawsuit: Filed by Nikki Stopford, alleging Google's practices increased advertising costs and consumer prices.
Allegations: Google forced Android phone makers to pre-install its apps and paid Apple to be the default search engine on Safari.
Tribunal Ruling: The CAT allowed the case to move forward, despite Google's attempt to dismiss it.
Google's Response: Google claims the case is speculative and opportunistic, arguing that people use Google because it is helpful.
Ongoing Legal Issues: Google faces multiple lawsuits, including from the US Department of Justice, Epic Games, and Yelp, and recently lost an appeal against a $2.7 billion antitrust fine in the EU.