DOJ reportedly probes Google Maps, adding to sprawling antitrust concerns

The Department of Justice has renewed its absorption connected Google Maps, adding to its already-sprawling antitrust probe into the company, Politico and Bloomberg reported connected Wednesday.

The DOJ is homing successful connected whether Google illegally bundles its mapping and hunt products by making app developers usage them together, the outlets reported, citing unnamed sources. Politico besides reported that the DOJ is looking into however Google packages its maps, app store and dependable adjunct for automakers done Google Automotive Services.

Reuters reported successful March past twelvemonth that the Department was looking into Google Maps bundling. But the probe has appeared to prime up velocity arsenic Politico and Bloomberg reported the DOJ has been re-interviewing imaginable witnesses, including competitors and customers, successful caller weeks.

A suit could travel arsenic soon arsenic this year, Politico reported, though sources told the outlet nary determination has been made connected whether to record a case.

DOJ has already filed 2 antitrust lawsuits against Google: One successful 2020 targeting Google's distribution of its hunt product, and 1 past period focused connected its online advertizing business.

Google besides faces several lawsuits from coalitions of authorities attorneys general, focused connected akin issues arsenic the DOJ cases arsenic good arsenic the Google Play mobile app store.

In a statement, a Google spokesperson said developers are "free to usage different mapping services successful summation to Google Maps Platform – and galore do."

The spokesperson added that Google faces "enormous contention successful the connected car space" and automakers who usage Google's Android Automotive OS aren't required to besides usage its automotive services.

"We ever cooperate with regulators and are gladsome to reply immoderate questions they whitethorn person astir our business," the spokesperson said.

A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment.

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