In a lawsuit that filed earlier this week, the United States Department of Justice accuses Google of violating Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The 64-page complaint alleges that the company was guilty of "practices that are harmful to competition."
Η case has remarkable similarities to the Microsoft v. US case that took place two decades ago. The case centered on Microsoft's illegal use of the Internet web browser Explore, with Windows to stop the competition. The latest lawsuit alleges that Google forces device makers to include the company's apps and search services on Android mobile devices, strengthening its monopoly on advertisements and the search.
Microsoft was eventually found guilty in this landmark trial, although an appeals court rejected the judge's recommendation that the company should "break" its services. The lawsuit against Google suggests not solutions.
If the US lawsuit against Microsoft is one guide, then we are at the beginning of a long legal process. As it begins, we'd like to hear your opinions on what this antitrust action means and how it might end.
Based on what you know so far, do you think Google should be found guilty? And if the court finds her guilty, what do you think will be the best solution?
We have also included an optional, open-ended question where you can leave any additional comments.