More than a dozen advocacy groups underscored the need for increased funding, follwing a New York Times report where DOJ sources said an investigation into Apple was delayed for three years in order to prioritize a review of Google because the department “lacked the financial resources and personnel to fully evaluate both companies.”
“Big Tech’s monopolistic behavior leads to higher prices for consumers, puts their personal information at risk, and locks competitors out of the market,” the groups wrote in a Thursday letter.
“We’re writing to you to strongly urge you to increase funding for the DOJ Antitrust Division in the current appropriations cycle — so it can fully carry out its mission of protecting the public from corporate abuse,”
According to the Times report, the DOJ is moving closer to filing an antitrust case against Apple. The Times reported the DOJ has met with Apple multiple times to discuss the investigation, but no final decision has been made about whether a lawsuit will be filed or what it should include.
The DOJ has filed two antitrust cases against Google since 2020.
“America’s antitrust enforcers shouldn’t have to pick their battles. But without sufficient funding, they do. And to resolve this problem, we depend on you,” the groups wrote.
Red more in a full report at TheHill.com.