WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
On June 7, 2021, the French Competition Authority established Google abused its dominant position by favoring its own advertising services to the detriment of its competitors. This alleged anticompetitive behavior was also at the expense of publishers of online sites and mobile applications using Google’s platform. The Authority’s decision, which has become final, opened the way for actions seeking damages from publishers and ad-tech providers.
AFFECTED PLAYERS
According to the French Competition Authority's decision, Google’s practices had detrimental effects on various ad-tech players and on publishers of sites and applications. Competing ad-tech services providers including ad servers and SSPs were significantly affected by Google’s practices, which produced irreversible exclusionary effects on them. Publishers suffered considerable losses, notably in advertising revenue, regardless of whether they were customers of Google's DoubleClick for Publishers ad server, DFP.
On April 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema held Google liable for monopolizing the online advertising market through the same practices. While the ruling is under appeal, the case is ongoing and is not suspended by the appeal.
CASE TIMELINE
On April 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema held Google liable for monopolizing the online advertising market through the same practices. While the ruling is under appeal, the case is ongoing and is not suspended by the appeal.
On April 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema held Google liable for monopolizing the online advertising market through the same practices. While the ruling is under appeal, the case is ongoing and is not suspended by the appeal.