Google's Data Grip: EFF Demands State Action as Lawsuits Prove Search Beats Browser in Monopoly Power
The EFF is pushing State Attorneys General to investigate Google's alleged broken promises regarding data targeting by government entities. Separately, Google settled a Google Assistant privacy lawsuit for $68 million, confirming targeted legal vulnerability.
The debate over Google's market control splits sharply on the legal ruling's impact. Some argue the ruling is toothless because Google can still pocket cash via non-exclusive, revenue-sharing deals, citing 'Niquarl.' Others acknowledge the ruling is a minor win for open standards, noting that platforms like Safari limit Google's total control over Chromium, as 'Ferk' pointed out. However, 'Ferk' repeatedly argues that search itself is the core weapon, stating it is a more lucrative and strategically influential market than the browser because search dictates SEO.
The community consensus is that while legal actions are happening, Google's structural strength—its ability to collect data across search, ads, and multiple services—remains the fundamental, unresolved threat. The issue isn't browser default status; it’s the integrated, pervasive data collection engine.
Key Points
Search remains Google's most powerful and lucrative market segment.
Ferk argues search is more strategically influential than the browser because search sets the stage for SEO.
Legal rulings are insufficient to break existing market dominance.
Niquarl notes the ruling only blocks 'exclusive contracts' but leaves room for non-exclusive revenue-sharing deals.
The threat of government data misuse requires specific state-level investigation.
The EFF source is urging State Attorneys General to investigate Google's alleged 'broken promise' on data targeting.
Google's primary weakness is its integrated data collection, not its browser exclusivity.
Ferk emphasizes the danger lies in data gathering across Maps, YouTube, and search services.
The legal actions against Google show targeted enforcement mechanisms are possible.
The $68 million settlement for Google Assistant privacy signals concrete consequences for data abuses.
Source Discussions (4)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.