A PYMNTS Company

Google Faces £13.6B UK Antitrust Class Action Suit

 |  October 18, 2023

Search engine behemoth Google is facing a massive £13.6 billion antitrust lawsuit in the UK, which combines two large claims against Google into one large class action that could have lasting impact on the tech industry.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    The case revolves around alleged actions taken by Google that would have harmed competition by favoring its own services, which has led to big financial losses for its competitors. The claimants argue that Google may have cost rivals up to 19% of their revenue since 2014.

    Claimants who have brought these accusations against Google’s parent company Alphabet pointed out that Google’s actions in the ad tech market have been under scrutiny in many places. Google meanwhile has taken a firm stance and said it is prepared fight these claims.

    Related: Google Files New Lawsuit Over Fake Reviews

    Without the court’s permission to combine these claims, a long process would have ensued to determine which one should go to trial. To make things simpler, the claimants formed the Ad Tech Collective Action.A three-day hearing will be held in January, where it will be determined whether the Ad Tech Collective Action can represent all affected publishers in the UK. If they get the green light, they’ll represent all publishers except those who choose otherwise.
    Source: USA Herald