BATTLE FOR WORLD / RT | September 6, 2019: In over 40 states, attorneys general are joining forces to investigate whether Big Tech powerhouses Facebook and Google violated antitrust laws with anticompetitive practices, and in the process hurting users.

The first probe, prosecutors will check whether Facebook “stifled competition and put users at risk,” says New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading the investigation, on Friday (September 6). Also taking part in the probe are attorneys general from Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, as well as the District of Columbia.

The second probe, steered by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, is focusing on Google, a source speaking to Reuters. The investigation so far consists of over 40 attorneys general and will concentrate on the intersection of privacy and antitrust, said the source.

News about Google’s dominance in the search sector and alleged ability to tamper with elections have been the subject of Senate hearings, and whistleblowers from Google have come forward presenting proof that the company manipulates search to alter political results. As well, Google is accused of directing users using search to their own products at the cost of competitors.

Meanwhile, Facebook denies it violated any antitrust rules, and show willingness to work with lawmakers on regulations to “protect” users.

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