China investigates google.jpg
China accuses Google of violating anti-monopoly laws. Photo: Shutterstock

China's State Administration for Market Regulation said it will investigate Google for alleged violations of the country's anti-monopoly laws, after China announced new tariffs on certain US imports.

Authorities did not provide further details about the investigation or what Google did to violate the law. Google products such as its search engine are blocked in the country, but the company still works with local partners in the country.

Accordingly, the Chinese Ministry of Finance will impose a 15% tax on coal and liquefied natural gas imported from the US, starting from February 10. Crude oil, agricultural equipment and some US cars and trucks will also be taxed 10% higher than the current rate.

Google is facing increasing scrutiny in several countries around the world, including the United States. In August 2024, the search giant lost a lawsuit filed by the US government in 2020. The US accused the company of monopolizing the general search market by creating high barriers to entry.

Following the ruling, the US Justice Department is pushing for Google to divest its Chrome web browser. The department also argues that Google should not enter into exclusive agreements with third parties like Apple and Samsung.

Google is being investigated by the UK Competition and Markets Authority under new laws in the UK.

(According to CNBC)