September 9, 2019
Carson City, NV - Today, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced Nevada's participation in a multistate, bipartisan investigation of tech giant Google's business practices in accordance with state and federal antitrust laws. The bipartisan coalition of 50 states and territories are investigating Google's overarching control of online advertising markets and search traffic that may have led to anticompetitive behavior that harms consumers. Legal experts from each state will work in cooperation with federal authorities to assess competitive conditions for online services and ensure that Americans have access to free digital markets.
"Many Americans use Google to connect with family and friends, to communicate with coworkers, pay bills and purchase everyday necessities," said AG Ford. "One of my biggest priorities as attorney general is protecting Nevada's consumers, and this investigation will uncover whether Google's business practices are negatively affecting individuals and businesses. I'm encouraged that such a large coalition is united in this initiative, and Nevada will take action to protect its consumers if and when necessary."
Past investigations of Google uncovered violations ranging from advertising illegal drugs in the United States to now three antitrust actions brought by the European Commission. None of these previous investigations, however, fully address the source of Google's sustained market power and the ability to engage in serial and repeated business practices with the intention to protect and maintain that power.
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