Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed an appeal following a Delaware County Common Pleas judge’s decision to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against Google. The legal action, originally brought in 2021 by Yost’s office, sought to have Google declared a common carrier and public utility. The case centers on claims that Google’s control over search results allows it to favor its own products and services over those of competitors.

“Ohioans deserve fairness in the digital marketplace,” Yost said. “When one company has the power to stack the deck, it hurts consumers, innovation and free competition. This appeal is about standing up for Ohioans and consumers everywhere.”

On August 15, Judge James Shuck ruled against the state, rejecting arguments that Google should be regulated as a common carrier. With the new appeal, the matter will now go before the Fifth District Court of Appeals for further consideration.

Yost’s lawsuit is noted as being the first such case in the country that seeks to impose public utility standards on a major technology company like Google. The goal is to ensure neutrality and transparency similar to what is expected from essential service providers.