Competition Bureau sues Google
By Rob Bale
The Competition Bureau has sued Google for what it describes as anti-competitive conduct in online advertising in Canada. The bureau has filed an application with the Competition Tribunal that seeks to remedy this conduct. According to the bureau, its investigation found that Google is the largest provider of website advertising technology in Canada, and that it has abused this position to ensure that it maintains its power. This conduct allegedly locks participants into using its ad technology, prevents rivals from competing on the merits of their services. The application to the Competition Tribunal seeks an order that would require Google to sell two of its ad tech tools, direct Google to pay a penalty, and prohibit Google from continuing to engage in anticompetitive practices.
“The Competition Bureau conducted an extensive investigation that found that Google has abused its dominant position in online advertising in Canada by engaging in conduct that locks market participants into using its own ad tech tools, excluding competitors, and distorting the competitive process,” said Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition. “Google's conduct has prevented rivals from being able to compete on the merits of what they have to offer, to the detriment of Canadian advertisers, publishers and consumers. We are taking our case to the tribunal to stop this conduct and its harmful effects in Canada.”