Ohio Appellate Court Rejects Lawsuit Against Google Over Search Results

An Ohio appellate court has ruled in favor of Google in a long-standing battle over search results. The 5th Appellate District of Delaware County rejected former state Attorney General David Yost's bid to revive a lawsuit alleging that Google gives preferential treatment to its own products and services in search results.

The ruling comes after Yost sued Google in 2021, arguing that the company is a 'common carrier,' which would subject it to regulation. However, the court disagreed, stating that Google's search engine is not comparable to a telecom or electric company, as it does not transport people or property and makes judgment calls when determining search results.

The judges also noted that common carrier principles do not apply well to Google's business model, which relies on advertising revenue rather than user payments. Furthermore, they argued that regulating Google's editorial judgments would implicate the company's First Amendment right to free speech.