Washington AG McKenna concerned about Google Inc – Yahoo! Inc. alliance

April 10, 2008 -- SEATTLE - Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna today expressed concerns over the recently announced online advertising alliance between Google Inc. and Yahoo! Inc.

“Online advertising fuels the Internet’s vibrant and diverse content, and it is important that markets for online advertising remain competitive,” McKenna, said. “In the event this relationship becomes permanent, my office will closely monitor its effects.”

Google and Yahoo logos

Yahoo! recently announced that it is beginning a limited test of Google’s AdSense for Search service, under which Google ads will display alongside Yahoo! search results. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, has already expressed concern over this alliance, noting that in the wake of Google’s acquisition of DoubleClick a “Google-Yahoo alliance would represent even further consolidation in the Internet advertising market.” Sen. Kohl also stated that the Subcommittee will be following the test alliance closely to ensure that it does not foreclose needed competition in the Internet advertising market. Attorney General Rob McKenna shares Sen. Kohl’s concerns over the Google-Yahoo test alliance.

The Office of the Attorney General's Antitrust Division investigates complaints about potential anti-competitive activity and is responsible for enforcing the antitrust provisions of Washington's Unfair Business Practices-Consumer Protection Act. The Division also brings actions in federal court under Sections One and Two of the Sherman Act.

Source: Washington Attorney General

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