Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs Call Google Monopolization Remedies A “Slap on the Wrist”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs, U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02), released the following statement on Judge Amit Mehta's decision on the remedies for Google's illegal search monopoly:

"The court's decision on remedies in the Google case is a mere slap on the wrist for a giant company that has crushed competition and hurt consumers and small businesses.

"In practice, this ruling allows Google to stay a monopoly. Despite finding Google guilty of search monopolization, the court is allowing the company to retain Chrome and Android, key tools that Google uses to dominate the market. While the court banned exclusive search deals, this is only a minor tweak that still allows Google to continue to benefit from default search agreements worth billions annually. As long as Google keeps control of its search and advertising businesses, it will keep rigging the game and pushing out innovative companies and new ideas.

"It is unfortunate that this decision undermines important bipartisan efforts to curb Big Tech monopolies, and could even embolden other giants to continue their monopolistic practices. That is why today, we call on the Department of Justice and the 49 states to appeal this decision. The American people deserve a digital economy where new entrants can compete on their merits, not a system where a monopoly thrives by judicial inaction.

"We will continue to push for stronger antitrust reforms that protect small businesses, innovation and consumers rather than giant corporations that rip people off and rig our economy for their benefit."

Issues: Science, Technology, & Antitrust