DOJ Accuses Google of Ad Tech Monopolization

Epic Games has initiated a federal lawsuit against Google and Samsung, accusing them of colluding to protect Google's Play Store from competition, particularly through Samsung's Auto Blocker feature. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is wrapping up its antitrust case against Google, which is accused of monopolizing the ad tech market, particularly through its control of the publisher ad server market with its DoubleClick For Publishers product. The DOJ claims Google’s practices have inflated ad prices and stifled competition, while Google argues that the market is more competitive than portrayed and that its integrated services benefit users. As the trial concludes, closing arguments will lead to a decision from Judge Leonie Brinkema on whether Google’s practices are unlawful. In a related development, California is introducing legislation aimed at increasing transparency in digital storefronts concerning purchased digital goods. Additionally, Microsoft is challenging Google in the AI space with new features for its Bing platform, reflecting a broader competitive shift in the tech industry.