As Google faces up to another antitrust lawsuit, fellow web browser giant Mozilla has a concern its Firefox browser will be caught in the crossfire. This week, the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) filed a suit against Google saying the company uses its Search services to create a monopoly.
Long the runaway dominant leader in search, lawmakers accuse Google uses several underhand tactics to remain on top. For example, regulators claim the company pays other service to be the default search tool.
Mozilla is one of those companies but says Firefox shouldn't become collateral damage in the case. In August, the company reportedly recommitted to Google in a deal that is worth up to $450 million. This timing of the renewal raised some eyebrows considering Mozilla had announced it was laying off 250 employees.
Lay offs or not, it is clear Google's search income is a major revenue stream for the company.
Statement
In a statement, the open source company says it thinks scrutiny of Google's practices is good in an effort to “build a better internet.” Furthermore, Mozilla explains about its agreement with Google, which sees the company as Firefox's default search engine
“In this new lawsuit, the DOJ referenced Google's search agreement with Mozilla as one example of Google's monopolization of the search engine market in the United States. Small and independent companies such as Mozilla thrive by innovating, disrupting and providing users with industry leading features and services in areas like search. The ultimate outcomes of an antitrust lawsuit should not cause collateral damage to the very organizations – like Mozilla – best positioned to drive competition and protect the interests of consumers on the web.”
Despite its agreement with Google, Mozilla says it does not share the practices of its partner. Indeed, the company says for two decades it has been a leader in promoting and fighting for competition.
