Google & Facebook Advertising
This case makes two types of claims. First, it alleges that Google and Facebook agreed that Facebook would not compete with Google in certain segments of the digital display advertising market, in exchange for Google rigging its auctions in Facebook’s favour. This hurt both publishers and advertisers. Second, it alleges that Google represented to publishers that it was maximizing their revenues when in fact it was manipulating bids in a manner that harmed publishers.
The court will decide at a later date if the case will proceed as a class action.
The case seeks to represent all Canadian publishers who sold digital display advertising space and all Canadian advertisers who placed digital display advertisements either (i) using Google’s tools since April 13, 2016; or (ii) using Facebook’s tools since September 27, 2018.
- January 16 to 19, 2024: Defendants’ motions to strike the claim and to challenge jurisdiction will be heard on these dates. The Plaintiffs’ Certification motion will be scheduled following those motions.
- January 31, 2023: The Certification Motion Record was filed at the Federal Court.
- March 16, 2022: The Statement of Claim was issued.
- Statement of Claim issued March 16, 2022
