Wed Sep 18 13:08:00 UTC 2024: ## Google Faces Lawsuit in London Accusing it of Abusing Search Dominance
**LONDON** – Google parent company Alphabet has filed a motion to dismiss a class-action lawsuit in London, which accuses the tech giant of abusing its dominant position in the online search market. The lawsuit, potentially worth up to £7 billion ($9.3 billion), is one of several high-profile legal battles Google is facing over its business practices.
The lawsuit, filed by consumer rights campaigner Nikki Stopford, claims that Google’s dominance allows it to increase costs for businesses using its search advertising services, which are then passed on to consumers. Stopford’s lawyers argue that Google’s actions are anticompetitive, citing the 2018 European Commission fine of over €4 billion ($4.5 billion) for imposing restrictions on Android manufacturers. They also allege that Google made an anticompetitive deal with Apple to be the default search engine on Safari in exchange for a share of mobile search ad revenue.
Google vehemently denies these allegations. The company’s lawyer Meredith Pickford claims the lawsuit is flawed, stating that the European Commission’s findings were merely technical complaints about Google’s promotional methods. Pickford also maintains that the agreement with Apple is lawful.
The case, if it proceeds to trial, could have significant implications for Google and the tech industry as a whole. The outcome will likely be closely watched by both consumers and businesses concerned with competition and fair market practices.
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