US Justice Department files landmark legal case against Google

Google is the subject of legal action by the US government (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

The US Justice Department has launched legal proceedings against Google alleging that the tech giant abused its dominance in online search and advertising to stifle competition and harm consumers.

The legal action over alleged violations of US antitrust laws marks the US government’s most significant act to protect competition since its case against Microsoft more than 20 years ago.