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Aerial view of the main Google Campus in Mountain View, CA.

Aerial view of the main Google Campus in Mountain View, CA. | Photo credit: Austin McKinley

Why The Google Antitrust Trial Could Change How We Use The Internet

May 8, 2024

Why The Google Antitrust Trial Could Change How We Use The Internet

Ask students: When did the Justice Department bring this lawsuit? What are the accusations against Google? How does Google argue it isn't a monopoly?

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A landmark antitrust trial between the Department of Justice and Google is coming to an end. The tech giant is accused of monopolizing the internet search market, sidelining competitors and harming consumers. The DOJ claims Google struck illegal deals, but the company argues it has the best search engine. Stephanie Sy discussed the case with Rebecca Allensworth of Vanderbilt Law School.

View the transcript of the story.

Key terms

  • monopoly: a business that has significant control over the market for its products, such that it can raise prices without fear of competition
  • antitrust law: laws designed to ensure competition and fair business practices to help protect consumers from the dangers of monopolies and coordination between competitors
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Discussion Questions

  1. Who is suing Google?
  2. When did the Justice Department bring this lawsuit?
  3. What are the accusations against Google?
  4. How does Google argue it isn't a monopoly?
  5. Why might this lawsuit lead to the breakup of Google? Why does the guest interviewed in this story think that is less likely than other outcomes?

Focus Questions

Why do you think the government has brought this case against Google? What do you think is their concern with Google's business practices, and how do you think they believe Google is causing harm to other companies?

Media literacy: What was most confusing to you about this story and the lawsuit described? How could you find out more?

Extension Activity

This story mentions that the Justice Department lawsuit is just one lawsuit aimed at challenging the market power of big tech companies. Read the following article and discuss:

  • Why do you think the Justice Department is so concerned about the market power of big tech companies?
  • How do you think these lawsuits might change the way people use the internet in the U.S. and elsewhere?

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.

PBS NewsHour Classroom
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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