Closing arguments coming in US-Google antitrust trial on ad tech

Core Viewpoint - The US government is pursuing legal action against Google, alleging unfair dominance in the online advertising market, and is seeking to have parts of its ad tech business divested [1][8]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The trial is taking place in a Virginia federal court and is Google's second ongoing antitrust case in the US [2]. - The presiding judge, Leonie Brinkema, is expected to deliver a ruling swiftly, potentially as early as next month, but any outcome will likely be appealed [4]. - Each side has been allotted 90 minutes to summarize their arguments based on testimony from the trial held in September and October [3]. Group 2: Allegations Against Google - The US government claims that Google controls the auction-style system for online advertising, allowing it to charge higher prices while providing less revenue to publishers [5]. - The Justice Department argues that Google's practices are reminiscent of historical monopolies, despite the modern technology involved [6]. - The government contends that Google has used its financial power to acquire potential competitors, thereby monopolizing the ad tech market [7]. Group 3: Google's Defense - Google has dismissed the government's allegations as an attempt to unfairly influence market competition [9]. - The company argues that the display ads in question represent only a small portion of the overall ad tech market and that it does not dominate in other advertising areas such as search results and social media [10][11]. - Google's legal team has suggested that a ruling against the company could benefit rival tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, or Amazon, whose market shares are increasing as Google's is declining [12].