DOJ Approached Outside Law Firms Over Big Tech Probes

The US Justice Department has sought outside legal help to bolster its antitrust investigations of large technology platforms, according to Bloomberg, in a sign that the government may be preparing a lawsuit against one or more of the companies.

The Department approached at least one law firm about working on the government’s behalf, said the people. That firm, Kellogg Hansen Todd Figel & Frederick, declined to take on the assignment because of a conflict, according to one of the people, who asked not to be named because the investigation is confidential.

The agency has opened investigations into Alphabet’s Google and Facebook, following a July announcement of a broad probe into whether tech platforms are stifling competition. It wasn’t clear which case the Department was seeking help for, or whether it will ultimately go through with hiring an outside firm.

The move, however, may be a sign the Justice Department is preparing for litigation against the tech companies. Attorney General William Barr said in December that the probe was moving “very quickly” and that he wanted to complete it some time this year.

Full Content: CNMC

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