Canadian Court orders Google to hand over records for Competition Bureau advertising investigation.

October 23, 2021

Is Google harming online display advertising in Canada?

By Maureen McCabe

The Competition Bureau is investigating whether Google has engaged in certain practices that harm competition in the Canadian online display advertising industry. This industry comprises various technology products used to display advertisements to users when they visit websites or use apps.

Canada’s antitrust watchdog confirmed in a media release on October 22, 2021, that it had obtained a Federal court order to advance its investigation into whether Google’s online advertising business is harming competition, according to the statement filed.

11. Provide all Records, excluding spreadsheets and data, prepared or received by a Senior Officer relating to any policies, strategies, or instructions, prohibiting, warning, advising against, or respecting the use of terms related to antitrust, including the following:

a.  “Cutting off the air supply”;
b. “Bundle”;
c.  “Tie”;
d. “Crush”;
e. “Kill”;
f.  “Block”; or
g. “Market Power”.

NOTE: The Bureau previously investigated Google for alleged anti-competitive conduct related to online search, search advertising, and the display of advertising. At that time, the Bureau committed to closely monitoring developments regarding Google’s conduct.

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