What They're Saying…

What They Are Saying…

Here is a quick compilation of quotes from coverage of today’s decision by the Department of Justice to restrict Google’s control over ITA Software:

“We continue to scrutinize broader questions about the fairness of Google’s search engine, and whether it preferences its own products and services to the detriment of competitors.” –U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, Chairman, Senate Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights Subcommittee

“Today’s announcement by the Department of Justice (DOJ) outlining rigorous conditions for Google’s proposed acquisition of ITA Software is an important step in applying antitrust laws to the company’s predominant position in the realm of Internet search. As the DOJ recognized, Google’s unique presence as an Internet gatekeeper raises serious concerns about activities that may limit competition, reduce consumer choice, and thwart innovation. Continued scrutiny is essential as Google extends its reach into a variety of vertical search markets and online services. As a member of the Antitrust Subcommittee, I will continue to work to ensure vibrant competition in this and other areas of our economy.” –U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Ranking Member,Senate Antitrust Subcommittee

“The conditions imposed on Google will prevent the most egregious anticompetitive aspects of this deal, but the real problem is Google’s ongoing anticompetitive practices based on its monopolistic control of search. It’s long past time for a full investigation of those abuses by U.S. Antitrust authorities, either the DOJ or the FTC.” — John M. Simpson, director of Consumer Watchdog’s Privacy Project.

“The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has confirmed today that Google needs to be subjected to continuing regulatory oversight, sharing widespread concerns about the compatibility of its behaviour with US antitrust rules…This will provide comfort not only to consumers but also to the online business community which depends on Google for their access to search results.”– David Wood, ICOMP Legal Counsel

“Today’s decision by the Justice Department is a good start on what must be a longer investigatory process. Until the industry has greater transparency on how Google search results are created, technology companies will continue to operate at the whim of the search giant.” — Jonathan Zuck, President of the Association for Competitive Technology (ACT)

“As with any agreement, god is in the details and ultimately in how tough government follow-up and enforcement ends up being. But at least the Justice Department took public concerns over Google’s monopolistic behavior seriously enough not to give the merger a free pass and articulated some decent principles of technology and data sharing.” — Nathan Newman, Tech-Progress.org