‘We look forward to making our case’: Google responds to rural publisher class action
Google has responded to a mounting class action suit against it from rural New South Wales publisher, the Riverine Grazier.
Last Thursday, law firm Maurice Blackburn Lawyers revealed that the Riverine Grazier would be taking Google to court on the grounds that the technology company’s ad tech platforms were dominating the open display advertising market – a move that allegedly results in local publishers not earning fair income from their digital advertising.
“Our online stories are read across the globe, and our website is accessed by readers every single day, yet the remuneration to us from using Google’s services is a pittance. We think it is unfairly low,” the Riverine Grazier’s general manager, Krista Schade, was quoted as saying in the statement.
In a statement shared with Mumbrella, a Google spokesperson has spoken out against the class action, saying that it “ignores the intense competition” in the sector that gives ad sellers and buyers the freedom to choose which ad tech platform they want to adopt, with organisations such as Microsoft, Amazon, Pubmatic, and more being known players in the space.
“Our advertising technology tools help websites and apps fund their content, and enable businesses of all sizes to effectively reach new customers,” the spokesperson said.
“Google creates value for our publisher and advertiser partners in this highly competitive sector. This lawsuit, led by Maurcie [Maurice] Blackburn, ignores the intense competition where ad buyers and sellers have plenty of choice and we look forward to making our case.
“Beyond this, Google is a major contributor to Australian publishers providing support for more than two decades through partnerships, products and programs.”
The Riverine Grazier’s class action against Google is expected to be filed before next Friday, February 14.
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Matthew is the editorial assistant at Mumbrella. He joined the company at the end of September 2023.
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