The Justice Department has renewed its focus Google In addition to an already extensive antitrust investigation into the company, Maps Politico and bloomberg reported on Wednesday.
DOJ is Google is illegally bundling mapping and search products by forcing app developers to use them together, the outlet reported, citing unnamed sources. Politico also reported that DOJ is considering how Google will package maps, app stores and voice assistants for automakers through Google Automotive Services.
Reuters reported in March that the department was considering bundling Google Maps. But the investigation appears to be speeding up, as Politico and Bloomberg reported that his DOJ has been re-interviewing potential witnesses, including competitors and customers, in recent weeks.
Politico reported that it may file a lawsuit later this year, but sources say no decision has been made on whether to do so.
DOJ has already filed two antitrust lawsuits against Google. One is from his 2020 targeting the distribution of Google’s search products, and his other is last month focused on his online advertising business.
Google is also facing multiple lawsuits by a coalition of state attorneys general focused on issues similar to the DOJ lawsuit and the Google Play mobile app store.
In a statement, a Google spokesperson said developers “are free to use other mapping services in addition to Google Maps Platform, and many do.”
A spokesperson said Google faces “intense competition in the connected car space” and automakers using Google’s Android Automotive OS don’t need to use automotive services either.
“We are constantly working with regulators and are happy to answer their questions regarding our business,” the spokesperson said.
A DOJ spokeswoman declined to comment.
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