Google has decided to pay the full amount of damages proposed by the US government in order to avoid a risky jury trial in a case brought by the Justice Department targeting its alleged monopoly in the digital advertising market. The Department of Justice sought monetary damages on behalf of government entities that were allegedly overcharged for online ads due to Google’s practices. Critics believe Google’s decision to pay in full indicates fear of the potential outcomes of a jury trial, which could lead to changes in its business model.
The amount of damages paid by Google, believed to be less than $3 million, was issued in the form of a cashier’s check, covering the full monetary damages sought by the Department of Justice. It is unclear if the Justice Department has accepted the check. Google argues that the payment of damages removes the legal obstacle for the Justice Department to secure a jury trial and that they do not have the right to request one.
In response to the Justice Department’s case seeking the breakup of Google’s ad technology business, Google maintains that the request for a jury trial breaks historical precedent in antitrust proceedings. The company also points out that the details of the case are technical and outside the knowledge of most potential jurors. Google has faced multiple antitrust lawsuits, including a recent loss in a case brought by Epic Games regarding its Android app store. A bench trial is ongoing for the Justice Department’s challenge to Google’s online search empire.
Overall, Google’s decision to pay the proposed damages in full reflects its desire to avoid the uncertainties of a jury trial and to potentially protect its lucrative digital advertising business. The outcome of this case and other ongoing antitrust challenges against Google will have significant implications for the tech giant’s future operations.
Article Source
https://nypost.com/2024/05/21/business/google-cuts-check-for-doj-while-trying-to-dodge-jury-trial-in-digital-ads-lawsuit/