Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is using anti-competitive practices in open display advertising technology, which may be harming UK publishers and advertisers, an investigation by the UK competition watchdog has provisionally concluded.
As set out in a statement of objections issued According to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the vast majority of publishers and advertisers use Google to place digital ads on websites.GOOGLE) (GOOGL) advertising technology services for offering and selling advertising space.
The agency said it is “concerned” that Google is actively using its market power to favour its own services. “We have provisionally determined that Google is using its market power to hinder competition when it comes to the ads people see on websites,” said Juliette Enser, Acting Executive Director of Enforcement.
The US Department of Justice and the European Commission have also opened separate investigations into Google’s activities in the advertising technology field. These proceedings are currently ongoing.