Google antitrust probe expands as bipartisan state AGs beef up staff and resources

A broad bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general is dedicating new resources as it widens its antitrust probe of Google beyond the tech giant’s advertising business to focus on its Android and search businesses.

In recent months, the states have divvied up resources and entered talks to bring in new consultants, people familiar with the situation told CNBC. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms of the investigation are confidential.

The state officials are also cooperating closely with the Justice Department, which is conducting a federal antitrust probe of the search giant, the people said.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican who is leading the states’ probe, accused Google earlier this week of delaying the case as the company tries to block investigators from bringing in certain outside consultants.

Political winds appear to be in the investigators’ favor, however, particularly in an election year during which big technology companies will be under scrutiny for how they convey political news and opinions to the masses. Silicon Valley is also under increasing attack from the highest levels of both parties, including from President Donald Trump and leading Democrats such as presidential contender Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Paxton announced the investigation in September. Participating attorneys general represent the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and every state except California and Alabama.

During a news conference at the time, Paxton emphasized Google’s dominance in the ad market and use of consumer data. He also said the probe could expand. Google has been accused by rivals of using its technology and power to squeeze out the competition and favor its own products.

The states later decided to formally broaden their search to Google’s Android and advertising businesses, CNBC reported last fall. The states have since appointed authorities in Utah and Iowa to lead the Android probe, said people familiar with the matter. They are still putting together formal leadership for the search portion of the investigation.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, is powerful and influential among his peers. He is in his 10th four-year term and has served as president of the National Association of Attorneys General. He is deeply experienced in antitrust fights, including states’ battle with Microsoft in the 1990s. That investigation resulted in lawsuits from both the states and Justice Department, which Microsoft ultimately settled after a federal judge originally ruled for a breakup.

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/07/google-antitrust-probe-expands-as-states-beef-up-staff.html