Google begins its defense in antitrust case alleging monopoly over advertising technology

AP Business Writer

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Google has opened its defense against allegations that it holds an illegal monopoly on online advertising technology with witness testimony saying the industry is vastly more complex and competitive than portrayed by the federal government. Testimony Friday afternoon from a Google executive came after the government rested its case two weeks into the federal trial in Virginia. The Justice Department and a coalition of states contend that Google built and maintained an illegal monopoly over the technology that facilitates the buying and selling of online ads seen by online consumers. Google says the government’s case ignores the competition the tech giant faces from social media companies and others.