Regional publisher the Riverine Grazier plans a class action against Google over revenue lost because of the digital platform’s domination of the digital display advertising industry.
The action, run by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers with law firm Phi Finney McDonald, is due to be mentioned in a Federal Court hearing today.
“The Grazier is just one of many thousands of publishers in Australia and worldwide simply trying to earn fair income from online advertising to support the important job of news publishing, who find themselves stifled by Google’s conduct,” said Riverine Grazier general manager Krista Schade.
“Our online stories are read across the globe, and our website is accessed by readers every single day, yet the remuneration to us from using Google’s services is a pittance. We think it is unfairly low.”
Maurice Blackburn principal Miranda Nagy said Google’s conduct has been under scrutiny around the world.
The potential class action follows similar proceedings in the US and class actions in the UK Competition Tribunal and Canada.
In Australia, an Inquiry by competition watchdog the ACCC into digital advertising in 2021 identified competition concerns.
The ACCC said Google engaged in a range of conduct that froze out competitors and entrenched its dominant position, likely interfering with the competitive process.
“Our case is that this conduct breached competition laws and was unconscionable,” Nagy said.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.