U.S. to sue Google claiming abuses in digital ad dominance

WASHINGTON D.C.: The U.S.Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to sue Google as soon as next month, claiming that the company illegally controls the online advertising market.

According to sources, Department of Justice lawyers are questioning publishers to gain additional details for the complaint.

It is not known if prosecutors will file the case in federal court or in New York state courts, where an antitrust case related to Google's advertising business has been started by the state's attorney general.

"Our advertising technologies help websites and apps fund their content, and enable small businesses to reach customers around the world. The enormous competition in online advertising has made online ads more relevant, reduced ad tech fees, and expanded options for publishers and advertisers," commented Google spokesperson Peter Schottenfels, as quoted by Bloomberg.

In 2020, legislators began questioning experts and competitors in online advertising for advice on how to reduce Google's dominance, and some suggested the sale of Chrome.