Antitrust Trials Against Big Tech: What’s Next?
The landmark antitrust trial against Google’s search business wrapped up recently, culminating in a federal judge’s ruling that deemed the company’s actions as illegal in maintaining its monopoly. However, this significant case is just the beginning of a series of federal challenges targeting the power of major tech giants.
During the Trump administration, both the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (F.T.C.) initiated investigations into the monopolistic behavior of four major companies: Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta, the parent company of Instagram and WhatsApp. These investigations have led to formal lawsuits against all four firms, with Google facing two separate legal challenges. The government asserts that these lawsuits aim to curb the overwhelming influence of these tech behemoths and foster a more competitive marketplace. The accused companies have vigorously denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Current Status of U.S. Government vs. Big Tech
Here’s a breakdown of the ongoing legal battles, starting with Amazon:
Amazon
In September, the F.T.C., along with 17 states, filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the company of monopolistic practices that undermine competition. The lawsuit alleges that Amazon has been squeezing sellers on its extensive marketplace while simultaneously favoring its own services. According to the F.T.C., these practices have not only harmed sellers but have also led to “artificially higher prices” for consumers. This is primarily because Amazon allegedly restricts sellers from offering the same products at lower prices on other online platforms.
A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington has slated the trial for October 2026. In response, Amazon has requested the dismissal of the case, arguing that its business model often results in lower prices for consumers and does not impede sellers’ opportunities. The company claims that the lawsuit reflects a “fundamental misunderstanding of retail dynamics.”
The chair of the F.T.C., Lina Khan, is particularly notable for her influential 2017 Yale Law Journal paper that focused on antitrust regulations aimed at curbing Amazon’s market dominance. Khan has expressed a steadfast commitment to confronting tech monopolies and promoting fair competition within the industry.
