Business

Google went on trial in Washington, in the biggest antitrust case brought against a tech company since Microsoft’s trial in 1998. In its opening statement the Department of Justice said that Google had illegally sought to maintain its monopoly in internet search, giving it a 90% share of the market, and asked whether Google “will ever face meaningful competition”. It accused Google of striking deals with internet and phone companies to display its search engine prominently. Google denies wrongdoing, and argues that “forcing people to use inferior products” does not constitute competition. The trial is expected to last ten weeks.