There has been huge buzz in the media after a federal judge ruled in August that Google violated antitrust laws and has become a monopoly. The company could be forced to sell one of its most popular tools.
The federal government recently proposed forcing Google to sell its Chrome web browser to deal with its supposed search engine monopoly. The state argues that the company’s dominance stems from contracts that “make it harder for rivals to compete.”
Yet, as the search engine giant’s woes are the focus of conversation, little attention is paid to monopolies in our own backyards that actually affect consumers. Electricity companies in many states enjoy a de facto monopoly over the industry, which means less competition and higher prices for everyday folk. Indeed, several states, such as Iowa and Wisconsin, have been trying to pass legislation that…
