Google ran illegal monopoly, US judge rules | First Thing
A US federal judge ruled that Google maintained a monopoly over search services and advertising. Plus: the cruise ship celebrating all things Creed
Good morning.
A federal judge ruled on Monday that Google violated antitrust laws as it built an internet search empire, maintaining a monopoly over search services and advertising. The ruling caps off a case that pitted the justice department against one of the world's most valuable companies, with the White Housing calling it a victory for the American people". Americans deserve an internet that is free, fair, and open for competition," said the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.
How has Google responded? Kent Walker, Google's president of global affairs, said the company planned to appeal against the decision. This decision recognizes that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn't be allowed to make it easily available," Walker said.
How will this ruling affect the internet? The ruling could have major implications for the way people interact with the internet. However,
the ruling does not state what penalties Google will face for violating antitrust law, leaving big questions about the future of the company's dominance over the search industry and how it will operate.
Who are the possible picks? Reuters is reporting that the search had narrowed to two governors: Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Tim Walz of Minnesota. Also on the shortlist are Mark Kelly, the Arizona senator; JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor; Andy Beshear, the Kentucky governor; and Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who is now the US secretary of transportation.
How is Harris faring in the polls? A recent CBS poll gave the Democrat a one-point edge nationally over Donald Trump, and put the candidates level in battleground states.
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