U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) have sent a letter to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., urging the company to fully comply with forthcoming rulings in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) antitrust case against Google.
A federal court recently determined that Google unlawfully monopolized the online search market.
The court found Google violating federal antitrust laws by entering into exclusionary contracts, which made Google the default and exclusive search engine for browsers, mobile devices, and wireless carriers in exchange for a share of the revenue generated.
The court also determined that Google’s anti-competitive contracts lacked procompetitive justification and confirmed Google’s monopoly power in multiple online search markets.
The lawmakers emphasized Wednesday the importance of Google adhering to any remedies imposed by the court, which could include measures to restore competition in the online search industry.
“As members of Congress concerned about Big Tech’s harmful impact on a free and competitive marketplace, we write to convey our expectation that Google will adhere fully to all forthcoming federal court rulings in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) antitrust case alleging that Google unlawfully monopolized the market for online search. We expect that Google will faithfully comply with these rulings and operate in a transparent manner when information is requested of your company by Congress,” said the lawakers.
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They expressed concerns about Google’s dominance, citing documented suppression of conservative voices and potential manipulation of search results related to a 2024 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
The letter underscores that Google must operate transparently and comply with any court orders, especially as the rise of artificial intelligence could further entrench its market dominance.
Gaetz and Lee warned that any attempt by Google to evade its legal responsibilities would be met with strong oversight and potential actions by Congress to ensure fair competition in the digital marketplace.
“While we appreciate Google’s willingness to engage with our offices on issues of concern, it would be a mistake for your company to believe that the influence it has bought in Washington will enable it to successfully avoid a potential antitrust remedy and keep its monopoly intact,” the lawmakers said in their letter.
“In 2023 alone, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, spent nearly $15 million on lobbying. Eric Schmidt, Google’s former CEO, has admitted that close government ties work in Google’s favor. Mr. Schmidt has used his foundation to influence government policy and even indirectly paid the salaries of employees in the Biden White House. Let us assure you: Republicans in Congress are prepared to hold Google to account if it fails to abide by its obligations under the court’s remedy,” the lawmakers blasted.
Gaetz and Lee warn that if any attempt by Google is detected to circumvent a court-imposed remedy, “we will be diligent in exploring every possible measure to hold the company accountable and fully restore competition in the online search market.”
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