Google hit with third monopoly abuse lawsuit 

Google could face a possible breakup if prosecutors are successful in arguing that the company has become too big

A bipartisan group of 38 US states filed a lawsuit against Google for allegedly abusing its search engine monopoly by manipulating search results on Thursday. 

It is the third antitrust related legal action brought against the technology giant this year. 

The state prosecutors claimed that Google is running an illegal monopoly over its search engine index, which has handed it “unchecked corporate power” and “disproportionate control over our data and information”. 

A Google spokesman said: "This lawsuit seeks to redesign Search in ways that would deprive Americans of helpful information and hurt businesses’ ability to connect directly with customers. We look forward to making that case in court, while remaining focused on delivering a high-quality search experience for our users."

In separate legal action, on Wednesday ten state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Google for illegally abusing its monopoly over the technology that publishes adverts on the world wide web, and accused it of striking up unfair deals with Facebook to corner a market they already dominate. 

Google search | How it decides what you see

Google described the ad tech lawsuit as “meritless”. 

Just two months ago, the US Department of Justice brought a landmark antitrust case against Google and its search arm which could result in breaking up parts of the 22-year-old company’s business. The legal battle could take years, insiders have said. 

Thursday’s lawsuit is the last in a year of political hammering on some of the "big tech" companies of Silicon Valley. 

Facebook is also subject to an antitrust investigation over its purchase of WhatsApp and Instagram, which was brought by the Federal Trade Commission and states.