Federal Trade Commission Vs. Google: What This Means

Do you remember when the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice filed complaints against Google in 2020? This made huge headlines since the antitrust lawsuit accused the search engine giant of being a monopoly.

Let’s face it. Google is one of the largest tech giants and has the biggest influence  in the online world today. Anything that happens to the company could have major impacts on the digital landscape.

In this article, we will discuss the Google antitrust lawsuit and how it could affect your website. This is a topic we’re following very closely ourselves.

What’s Going On With Google and the FTC?

Five years ago, the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Google caught all of us by surprise. Why? Because this case isn’t a run-of-the-mill legal action. The antitrust lawsuit against Google challenges the tech firm’s dominance in advertising and online search.

The FTC sued Google, claiming that the search engine giant used unfair practices to stay on top. The independent agency’s accusations raised questions about whether Google violated antitrust laws in online searches and disrupted the competition.

About Google Antitrust Lawsuit

The Google antitrust lawsuit started on October 20, 2020. The FTC—alongside the DOJ—claimed that Google used anticompetitive practices. These include exclusive agreements with Apple to be their default search engine. The antitrust lawsuit aimed to prove that Google’s actions limited competition to ensure its dominance of online search and text advertising.

What’s the Latest Happening?

On August 5, 2024, a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust law. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta confirmed that the company monopolizes search services and ads therefore breaching Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Because of this ruling,all options are on the table, including breaking up parts of Google’s business.

What Could Be Next for Google and the Lawsuit?

Despite the latest ruling, the antitrust case is far from over. This year, a court hearing is expected to determine how Google must change its operations to comply with the law. But people familiar with the matter expect Google to make appeals. If the tech giant does so, it could delay the lawsuit’s outcomes for years.

Should You Worry About the Google Antitrust Case?

The Federal Trade Commission’s news about the Google antitrust lawsuit could have major implications for websites. If you’re a business owner with a website, pay attention.

First, many people might ask what the Federal Trade Commission is doing. Why is it getting involved with a browser? Remember, the FTC is a government agency that aims to protect consumers and ensure fair competition. This means that the FTC will get involved with anything under its regulation, including what consumers use online.

Whether the ruling that Google violated antitrust law becomes final or not, you need to be aware because the results of the lawsuit could affect you and your business. How? Let’s find out!

Stricter Ad Transparency

The Federal Trade Commission complaint could lead to new regulations that would force Google to share more advertising data with competitors. Websites relying on ad revenue could also be affected.

Smaller Search Engines Could Receive More Traffic

As of writing, Google is considered to be the premier internet browser. However, this situation could change if new regulations come out because of deceptive advertising allegations. DuckDuckGo, Bing, and other search engines could receive more traffic. Unfortunately, websites need to adjust their strategies to rank on different platforms.

Privacy Compliance Could Be Stricter

Claims that Google violated children’s privacy laws could lead to stricter data collection rules. If you use targeted ads or manage user data, you could also face tighter compliance standards.

Managing Reviews Could Be Harder

The FTC accuses Google of violating its review policy. This could lead to more complicated review standards, making it difficult to manage online feedback.

Ranking Could Become More Difficult

Does Google search violate antitrust law? Yes (based on the latest ruling). If the previous ruling doesn’t change, new algorithm changes could occur. These adjustments likely lead to new challenges in ranking.

Conclusion

The ongoing Google antitrust lawsuit could change how the digital world works. Deceptive advertising practices and other allegations could greatly impact websites.

The legal action results could lead to more search engine options, stricter data privacy rules, or algorithm changes. No matter the result, this lawsuit could change the dynamics of online searches and advertising, to remain competitive in the new environment, a successful business must be able to adapt.

Don’t worry. Our team is always ready to guide you through these changes. At The Illunis Co., we’re dedicated to helping small and big businesses thrive in uncertain times. Whether you need SEO adjustments, changes in targeted ads, or website redesigns, we can assist you. Our priority is to make sure our services are tailored to your individual business needs.

Are you worried about the digital landscape’s future and how it will affect your website? Contact us today. Together, we can navigate these shifts and create a plan to help your website stand out.