Missouri launches investigation into Google’s handling of consumer data

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley has launched an investigation into whether Google has mishandled private customer data and manipulated its search results to favor its own products and stifle competitors. The investigation will focus on three issues: the scope of Google's data collection, whether it has abused its market position as a dominant search engine and whether the company has unfairly used content produced by competitors, like Yelp, in its own search results. The state has issued Google a subpoena seeking information about its business practices. “The bottom line is Missouri is not going to give Google a free pass,” AG Hawley said. "I will not stand idly by and simply take the word of any corporate giant as to their best interests."