What Is The Lawsuit Against Google

The lawsuit alleges that Google illegally maintains monopoly power in three markets: "general search services, search advertising, and general search text advertising." In these markets, says the complaint, "Google aggressively uses its monopoly positions, and the money that flows from them, to continuously foreclose rivals and protect its monopolies."

The US government has filed charges against Google, accusing the company of violating competition law to preserve its monopoly over internet searches and online advertising.

The lawsuit marks the biggest challenge brought by US regulators against a major tech company in years.

It follows more than a year of investigation and comes as the biggest tech firms face intense scrutiny of their practices at home and abroad.

Google called the case "deeply flawed".

The company has maintained that its sector remains intensely competitive and that its practices put customers first.

"People use Google because they choose to - not because they're forced to or because they can't find alternatives," it said.