Fact Check: Court adviser labels Google's practices as market abuse.

Fact Check: Court Adviser Labels Google's Practices as Market Abuse

What We Know

The claim that a court adviser has labeled Google's practices as market abuse is substantiated by recent legal developments. In April 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by monopolizing open-web digital advertising markets. The court's decision highlighted that Google's actions "harmed Google’s publishing customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web" (Department of Justice Prevails in Landmark Antitrust Case). This ruling aligns with the assertion that Google's practices constitute market abuse, as it confirms the company's monopolistic behavior.

Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an amicus brief in support of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) proposed judgment against Google, emphasizing that the company maintained monopolies in general search services and general text advertising (FTC Files Amicus Brief on DOJ's Proposed Final Judgment). This indicates a consensus among regulatory bodies regarding Google's market practices.

Analysis

The evidence presented in the court ruling and the FTC's involvement provides a strong basis for the claim. The court's findings are significant, as they come from a federal judge who assessed the evidence over a 15-day trial. The ruling explicitly states that Google has abused its monopoly power, which is a critical component of the claim regarding market abuse (Department of Justice Prevails in Landmark Antitrust Case).

The credibility of these sources is high, as they originate from official government entities—the DOJ and FTC—both of which have a vested interest in maintaining fair market practices. The DOJ's antitrust division has a history of pursuing cases against large tech companies, and their statements are backed by legal proceedings, making them reliable.

However, it is essential to consider potential biases. Both the DOJ and FTC are government agencies, and their actions may reflect broader political and economic agendas aimed at regulating big tech. Nevertheless, the legal framework they operate within requires substantial evidence to support their claims, which adds to the reliability of the findings.

Conclusion

The claim that a court adviser has labeled Google's practices as market abuse is True. The recent court ruling and the FTC's support for the DOJ's findings confirm that Google's actions have been deemed monopolistic and abusive in nature. The evidence from credible sources, including federal court rulings and government agency statements, supports this conclusion.

Fact Check: Court adviser labels Google's practices as market abuse.