Main Street USA SMEs applaud the latest antitrust ruling against Google

MAIN STREET Alliance (MSA) – the USA’s nationwide network of small business owners advocating for inclusive economic policies – has welcomed the recent legal declaration that Google operates as “a monopolist in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act”.

This landmark decision is a significant win for small business owners across the nation, ensuring a fairer and more competitive digital marketplace, according to Main Street Alliance.

Judge Amit Mehta’s ruling in the case of United States of America vs Google LLC found that Google had unlawfully maintained its monopoly by excluding rivals from the general search engine market.

This exclusionary conduct, according to Main Street Alliance, has stifled competition, raised prices for advertisers, and deprived consumers of potential higher-quality search alternatives.

Main Street calls it a ‘win’ for small business owners

The Main Street Alliance has long championed fair competition and equitable access to resources for small businesses. The ruling against Google aligns with the alliance’s mission to combat corporate consolidation and advocate for policies that level the playing field for small businesses. 

“This decision is a monumental step towards restoring fairness in the marketplace,” Main Street Alliance executive director, Richard Trent said.

“For too long, small businesses have struggled against the overwhelming dominance of corporate giants like Google. This ruling not only recognises the anti-competitive practices that have disadvantaged small businesses but also sets a precedent for stronger enforcement of antitrust laws.”

Decision helps empower entrepreneurs

Australia is similar to the US in the way that small business are the backbone of the American economy, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.

However, Main Street Alliance members have pointed out for decades how the monopolistic practices of companies like Google have hindered the growth and success of countless entrepreneurs.

Mr Trent said by paying billions to secure default search engine status on popular devices, Google had effectively prevented competitors from gaining a foothold, “thereby limiting consumer choice and stifling innovation”.
Traditionally, Main Street has been synonymous with bricks-and-mortar businesses, but this ruling has highlighted the “growing importance of online entrepreneurs who also deserve protection from monopolistic overreach”.

“Ensuring a level playing field in the digital marketplace is essential for the success of all small business owners, whether they operate physical stores or online enterprises,” a Main Street Alliance statement read.

Next steps and broader implications

As the case moves into the remedy phase, Main Street Alliance is urging the court to implement measures that will effectively dismantle Google’s monopoly and promote competition.

Potential remedies Main Street put forward include ending exclusive dealing contracts, breaking up Google's various business segments, or requiring the company to share data with competitors.

The Main Street Alliance was founded in 2006, when small business owners in Maine, Washington, Oregon, and a few other states united to advocate for healthcare reform. The campaign shed light on the power of small business organisation and the need for Main Street voices in policy discussions.

Now the Main Street Alliance champions the voices of small business owners nationwide to help create a thriving economy. The alliance cultivates a growing network of entrepreneurs, connecting them with resources to build sustainable enterprises.

Today the Main Street Alliance membership drives state and federal policymaking that “gives a fair shot to small businesses and strengthens communities nationwide”. The alliance focuses on meaningful engagement and research-backed advocacy, building a coalition of citizens and elected leaders committed to giving entrepreneurs a fair shot at success.

www.mainstreetalliance.org

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