Precursor LLC analyst Scott Cleland has released a white paper
Googleopoly IV: Monopsony Control over Digital Info Competition. It's as alarming as it is fascinating.
The white paper concludes with these recommendations:
The DOJ/FTC should establish and publicize a hotline phone number and web address where those who believe they have been harmed by Google's monopoly/monopsony market power can confidentially report evidence.
The varied interests which have publicly filed copyright infringement or antitrust suits against Google should come together and file a cross-industry class action antitrust suit against Google.
The DOJ should investigate, and if the evidence warrants it, prosecute Google for a broad pattern of anti-competitive exercise of monopsony power over digital information competitors.
From what I've seen, Cleland is generally skeptical of government initiatives to ensure telecomm competition and guide the industry in serving the common good. So it's a bit shocking to see him calling on government agencies to move aggressively against Google. I'd like to know more about why, in this case, he believes competition and copyright law offer insufficient protection. I'm concerned about Google's alleged abuses. However, based on history and experience, I'm also concerned that the DOJ/FTC could end up striking a deal with Google that would make some abuses permanent in exchange for support for specific government initiatives.
