Think you’re having a bad Monday? Try taking a look at Google (NASDAQ:$GOOGL) – the tech giant was just issued a subpoena by Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley’s office.
Why? It is all part of an investigation into whether Google is violating Missouri’s anti-trust and consumer protection laws. The investigation will be primarily looking into the company’s collection of data on users and whether the Mountain View-based company has tricked search results at the expense of rivals, according to a statement from Hawley’s office.
“When a company has access to as much consumer information as Google does, it’s my duty to ensure they are using it appropriately,” Hawley said. “I will not let Missouri consumers and businesses be exploited by industry giants.”
Additionally, Hawley’s investigation will look into whether the tech giant has misappropriated content from rivals.
“There is strong reason to believe that Google has not been acting with the best interest of Missourians in mind,” Hawley added in his statement. “My Office will not stand by and let private consumer information be jeopardized by industry giants, especially to pad their profits.”
As of May, according to Forbes, the California-based company has a brand value of almost $102 billion.
Hawley’s investigation comes on the heels of a $2.7B fine issued to Google by the EU for breaking antitrust laws.
Featured Image: twitter
