‘Landmark’ decision made in Google antitrust lawsuit in Virginia court

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was handed a legal victory in its antitrust lawsuit against Google.

On April 17, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled against Google in this lawsuit, finding that it "violated antitrust law by monopolizing open-web digital advertising markets," according to a press release from the DOJ.

“This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

The decision was made following a 15-day trial in September 2024. The lawsuit was filed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and attorneys general from other states in January 2023.

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Google was accused of monopolizing its technologies in the case.

“The Court’s ruling is clear: Google is a monopolist and has abused its monopoly power,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater. “Google’s unlawful dominance allows them to censor and even deplatform American voices."

To find more information on this case, visit the DOJ's website.