These exclusionary agreements are achieved with four unique methods:
- Google forbids the pre-installation of alternative search services on a wide variety of devices.
- The company ‘forces’ the pre-installation of its search engine on devices and makes it undeletable regardless of the preferences of users.
- Entering into a “de facto exclusive” deal with Apple in which Google’s search engine is utilized as a standard for Apple’s Safari application.
- Utilizing excess profits to purchase preferential treatment and ensure Google’s search engine is the standard across billions of devices.
“Today, millions of Americans rely on the Internet and online platforms for their daily lives. Competition in this industry is vitally important, which is why today’s challenge against Google — the gatekeeper of the Internet — for violating antitrust laws is a monumental case both for the Department of Justice and for the American people,” said Attorney General Bill Barr.
The 11 states that joined the DOJ’s lawsuit include Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, and Texas.
