A United States district judge ruled Monday that Google illegally used its market power to create a monopoly over online search, a decision with far-ranging ramifications, including in travel. The four biggest online travel agencies spent a combined $16.8 billion on sales and marketing last year — much of it going to Google.
Travel companies have been complaining for years about Google’s digital search and advertising dominance. During the 10-week antitrust trial last year in Washington, D.C., a 2019 letter to Google from Expedia Group chairman Barry Diller surfaced in which he expressed his frustration with search results.
“I must say I’m on the edge of revolt now that Google’s actions are so punitive, not just for Expedia but also for…