Redmond (WA) - Microsoft is a bit upset over Google’s recent purchase of DoubleClick and is now urging government regulators to look into possible antitrust issues. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel says the purchase raises “serious” concerns about competition and security.
In a press release, Smith said, “This proposed acquisition raises serious competition and privacy concerns in that it gives the Google DoubleClick combination unprecedented control in the delivery of online advertising, and access to a huge amount of consumer information by tracking what customers do online. We think this merger deserves close scrutiny from regulatory authorities to ensure a competitive online advertising market.”
According to the Washington Post, Microsoft has also talked to AT&T, AOL and Yahoo about their concerns. AOL and Yahoo are staying silent on the issue, but AT&T said that the government should carefully study the deal. In recent weeks some people had expected Microsoft to win the bid for DoubleClick, but Google swooped in to grab the online advertiser for $3.1 billion Dollars.
In a press release, Smith said, “This proposed acquisition raises serious competition and privacy concerns in that it gives the Google DoubleClick combination unprecedented control in the delivery of online advertising, and access to a huge amount of consumer information by tracking what customers do online. We think this merger deserves close scrutiny from regulatory authorities to ensure a competitive online advertising market.”
According to the Washington Post, Microsoft has also talked to AT&T, AOL and Yahoo about their concerns. AOL and Yahoo are staying silent on the issue, but AT&T said that the government should carefully study the deal. In recent weeks some people had expected Microsoft to win the bid for DoubleClick, but Google swooped in to grab the online advertiser for $3.1 billion Dollars.
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