Ohio Sues Google, Seeks To Declare The Internet Company A Public Utility

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit asking a court to declare Google a public utility that should be regulated as such.

“Google uses its dominance of internet search to steer Ohioans to Google’s own products – that’s discriminatory and anti-competitive,” Yost said in a statement.

The lawsuit, filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, is believed to be the first of its kind, Yost’s office said.

Specifically, the lawsuit seeks a legal declaration that Google is a “common carrier,” like phone, gas and electric companies, which must provide its services to anyone willing to pay its fee.