Gaetz and Lee to Hold Google Accountable

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) have issued a stern warning to Google, asserting their intent to hold the tech giant accountable if it attempts to sidestep a court-ordered remedy aimed at addressing its monopolistic practices. In a letter sent on Wednesday, the lawmakers expressed concerns that Google's dominant position in the market leads to the suppression of free speech and manipulation of search results, which they argue has hindered public access to critical information, including details surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The lawmakers referenced past incidents where they believe Google has engaged in suppressive behavior, citing a leaked video from 2016 that revealed internal discussions at Google about countering populism. They also pointed to the company's actions before the 2020 election, where they allege that Breitbart News was deliberately downranked in search results. Gaetz and Lee's letter comes amid ongoing scrutiny of big tech companies, with the Justice Department seeking remedies to restore competition in the search market. Highlighting the broader issue of compliance, Gaetz and Lee noted that major tech firms have frequently ignored court rulings related to anticompetitive behavior. They specifically mentioned allegations against Apple regarding its app store practices. The lawmakers also criticized Google's lobbying efforts, revealing that Alphabet, Google's parent company, spent nearly $15 million on lobbying in 2023 alone. In conclusion, Gaetz and Lee pledged to remain vigilant and pursue all necessary actions to ensure Google adheres to any court-imposed remedies, emphasizing their commitment to restoring competition in the online search landscape.