Canada’s antitrust watchdog is suing Google to force the breakup of the company’s ad tech unit. In a statement published on Thursday, just in time for the US Thanksgiving holiday, the Competition Bureau said a “well-conducted” investigation found that Google abused its dominant position in web-based programmatic advertising to “maintain and consolidate its market power.”
Specifically, the watchdog accused Google of giving its tools exclusive access to online ad lists. The Competition Bureau says the company also engaged in financial manipulation of other activities in an attempt to harm rival platforms, and even went so far as to set limits on how its customers could do business with competing ad technology companies.
Among other remedies, the Competition Bureau wants to force Google to sell its two ad technology tools. The organization also wants the company to pay fines for its conduct.
Google did not immediately respond to Engadget’s request for comment. In a statement it shared ReutersGoogle said the complaint “ignores intense competition where ad buyers and sellers have more options.” The tech giant added that it looks forward to arguing its case in court “Our advertising technology tools help websites and apps promote their content, and empower businesses of all sizes to reach new customers more effectively,” Dan Taylor, vice president of Global Ads. at Google, it says separately.
“The Competition Bureau conducted an extensive investigation that found that Google abused its dominant position in online advertising in Canada by engaging in conduct that locked market participants from using their own ad technology tools, excluding competitors, and distorting the competitive process,” said Matthew. Boswell, the Canadian Competition Commissioner.
“Google’s behavior has prevented competitors from being able to compete with what they have to offer, to the detriment of Canadian advertisers, publishers and consumers. We will take our case to the Tribunal to stop this behavior and its dangerous consequences in Canada.”
The lawsuit comes as Google tries to fend off a separate attempt by the US Justice Department to break up the company’s ad business. Both sides made their closing arguments in the case on Monday, and a decision could be announced as early as next week.
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