Missouri AG Subpoenas Google on Search Engine, Consumer Data Practices

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley subpoenaed Google Monday seeking details on how the company collects and uses consumer information data, manages competitors' search results, and provides user disclosures, he said in a Facebook video. “Consumers have a right to know what information Google is gathering,” said the Republican who announced last month he’s challenging Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. Hawley said he’s investigating whether Google violated Missouri’s consumer protection laws, and will look at complaints the company improperly used online content from rivals' websites. Hawley referenced the European Commission's $2.7 billion fine (see 1706270001) for search engine discrimination practices as impetus for his interest. Google hasn't received the subpoena but a spokesman said the company has "strong privacy protections" and continues "to operate in a highly competitive and dynamic environment."