US: State AGs will reportedly kick off antitrust investigation into tech giants

A group of state attorneys general is preparing to move forward with a joint antitrust investigation of big technology companies. Citing sources, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday the probe could be launched in September and could look into whether companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon use their power to stifle competition in the market.

It follows the Department of Justice last month announcing its own antitrust reviewof how online platforms achieved market power and whether they are using that power to reduce competition and stifle innovation. And that investigation followed the Federal Trade Commission in February forming a task force to monitor competition among tech platforms.

“A dozen” state attorneys general met with officials from the Department of Justice in July to discuss the investigation, the report said.

Amazon and the Justice Department didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Google pointed to its antitrust testimony from last month before the House Committee on the Judiciary, when it said it has “helped reduce prices and expand choice for consumers and merchants.” Facebook declined to comment.

“The department’s review will consider the widespread concerns that consumers, businesses, and entrepreneurs have expressed about search, social media, and some retail services online,” the Justice Department said on July 23.