Recently, two groups of US state attorney generals declared a separate antitrust investigation plan. This probe is regarding large tech companies that comprise the Alphabet’s Google and Facebook.
The first investigation was led by New York, including seven other states and the District of Columbia that focuses on Facebook. Read more about the investigation plan.
Meanwhile, the second received a proclamation by Texas and expected to include up to 40 other states.
They did not specify the targets among large tech companies but was anticipated to center on Google.
The social media giants were once mentioned as engines of economic growth. Read more about the investigation plan.
The companies in social media, internet search, e-commerce, and other digital technologies have gradually been on the defensive over failures.
The lapses cited were privacy breaches and their outsized market influence.
Politicians like President Donald Trump, consumers, other businesses, and regulators have criticized that power. Read more about the investigation plan.
In a tweet, New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “I’m launching an investigation into Facebook. This is to determine whether their actions endangered consumer data, reduced the quality of consumers’ choices, or increased the price of advertising.”
She also added, “The largest social media platform in the world must follow the law.”
Examination of Other Large Tech Companies
The Facebook probe will incorporate New York, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office indicated it was leading an analysis of the large tech companies but did not label them.
In a news report, the probe will likely bring in more than 40 state attorneys general. It will likely focus on Google, sources familiar with the matter stated. Read more about the investigation plan.
A second spokesperson previously stated that the Google investigation would look at the junction of privacy and antitrust.
On Friday, Google’s parent Alphabet said the Department of Justice in late August asked for information and documents associated with prior antitrust probes of the company.
The company added in a security filing that it anticipates similar investigative requests from state attorneys general and that it is collaborating with regulators.
Meanwhile, on the federal level, the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission are also investigating Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon.
Moreover, the probing is for potential violations of antitrust law.
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