Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) which has before been involved in business disputes with Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google indicated that it received requests for information from state and Congressional; investigators looking into accusations that Google violated antitrust laws.
Oracle to provide information on Google
Oracle which understands the advertising business of Google has indicated that it has received an information request from the House Judiciary Committee. Washington based Oracle Executive Ken Glueck has said that they have also received a request from the office of the attorney general of the state of Texas. Glueck indicated that they have already met with the justice department.
A source familiar with the investigation of the House judiciary committee indicated that the committee had sought information from various companies that might have been hurt by tech giants. The committee will decide on the issuance of subpoenas depending on the number of companies that voluntarily answer. According to the source, some companies feel like they will less likely be subject of retaliation from the tech giants if they are forced to provide information.
Oracle seeks $9 billion compensation from Google
Oracle allegedly indicates that Google infringed its java copyright in making the Android operating system on which virtually all the smartphones in the world run. Oracle is seeking $9 billion in damages for the infringement. The Supreme Court is weighing on whether to take up the appeal of Google of a lower court ruling to bring back the case.
In recent times technology companies that have been the centers of innovations that enhanced efficiencies and spurred economic growth have been receiving massive backlash in the US. They are facing criticism from all sections, including competitors, consumer groups, and legislators who indicate that the companies have so much power that can harm business rivals and consumers.
They are facing criticism from both progressives and conservatives. For instance, president, Trump has voiced concerns about the tech companies stifling conservative voices. Senator Elizabeth Warren even suggested that companies such as Google, Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) should be compelled to sell the companies they acquired because of antitrust concerns.
