Google Faces Antitrust Trial in Mexico Over Alleged Unfair Practices

Google is not only grappling with antitrust lawsuits in the United States and a legal battle with Epic Games. The internet titan is now set to face an antitrust trial in Mexico initiated by the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece).

According to El Economista, the trial will focus on “anticompetitive practices in the digital advertising services market.” The immediate precursor to this legal action was an investigation launched by Cofece in November 2020. It appears that the commission concluded that Google engaged in conditional sales tied to the purchase of another service. The full Cofece board will be responsible for delivering the final decision, and they have a timeframe of 120 business days to do so.

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Google informed El Economista that it will continue addressing the commission’s inquiries “and share details about how its systems operate.” Just a week ago, Google hosted its ‘Google for Mexico’ event, where it unveiled projects aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, cultural growth, and economic development in Mexico.

The event was attended by the Secretary of Culture, Alejandra Frausto, and featured the introduction of Google’s experimental search function with Artificial Intelligence.

According to El Economista, there are two possible outcomes for the antitrust trial against Google. The company could either be acquitted of all charges, or the internet giant may be required to pay up to 8% of its total revenues from the past year.

Google Mexico will have the opportunity to present its arguments and evidence in an attempt to secure an acquittal.

Source: Xataka