Google issues undisclosed payment to U.S. in effort to avoid jury trial

Alphabet’s Google made a pre-emptive payment to the US government, in an unusual move to avoid a jury trial in the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit regarding its digital advertising business. The payment amount was not disclosed, but it was mentioned in a court filing stating that the case should be heard and decided by a judge, as Google argued that without a claim for monetary damages, the government does not have the right to a jury trial. The Justice Department has yet to comment on whether it will accept the payment.

The case, brought by the Justice Department and several states, accuses Google of stifling competition in advertising technology, with the government pushing for Google to sell its ad management suite. Google has denied these allegations and said that the Justice Department’s claim for damages was fabricated in an attempt to secure a jury trial. The company stated that after months of discovery, the Justice Department could only point to estimated damages of less than $1 million.

The Justice Department will have the opportunity to respond to Google’s arguments before a judge considers the issue at a hearing scheduled for June 21 in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, with the trial set for September in front of a jury. Legal experts have expressed skepticism about Google’s tactic, with some suggesting that a jury could ultimately decide on damages greater than those proposed by Google.

Google has recently faced two antitrust trials, with one involving a jury ruling in favor of Epic Games, which accused Google of illegally banning competing Android app stores and forcing developers to use its payment system for in-app transactions. In another case, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., is considering allegations that Google has illegally stifled competition in web searches. The case is ongoing, with no ruling yet issued.

In conclusion, Google’s pre-emptive payment to the US government in the antitrust lawsuit over its digital advertising business is a strategic move to avoid a jury trial. The case is ongoing, with legal experts and analysts closely monitoring the developments and potential outcomes. Google has denied the allegations and is actively defending its position in the legal proceedings.

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https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/google-cuts-mystery-check-to-us-in-bid-to-sidestep-jury-trial/article68198603.ece