Pa. Attorney General issues statement about United States v. Google antitrust verdict

Harrisburg, Pa. — On Aug. 5, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The court determined that Google qualifies as a monopoly and has acted to maintain that position by pushing out competitors using exclusivity contracts. On both PC browsers and smartphones, Google has made deals to secure its spot as the default search engine.

The ruling concludes a court case that has been active since Oct. 20, 2023. Google has announced their intention to appeal the decision, and argues that their search engine is dominant simply because it is the best service available. Additionally, a penalty has not yet been determined.

A second case alleging that Google has a monopoly over internet advertising will also go to trial this September.

Pennsylvania AG Michelle Henry issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court of Columbia’s decision in United States v. Google:

“Google has carved out a mega online presence that influences users to view and use their products by thwarting competition from rival search engines through exclusive agreements making Google the default search engine on popular devices and browsers. By design and definition, that is a monopoly."

She continued: "We are pleased with the federal court’s finding that those practices exist and are harmful to consumers. We will continue, with our state and federal partners, to pursue litigation that offers a more level playing field and consumers with a full range of options.”