Gmail Accused of Partisan Filtering by FTC Chair, Google Denies Allegations

US FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson alleges Gmail uses partisan filtering, blocking messages from Republican senders but not similar messages from Democrats. Google denies the claim, saying its spam filters apply equally to all, regardless of political ideology. The company will review the letter and engage constructively on the issue, but the FTC chair warns of potential investigation and enforcement action if the company is not consistent with FTC regulations.

US FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson has recently alleged that Gmail employs partisan filtering, blocking messages from Republican senders while allowing similar messages from Democrats. This claim has sparked significant attention in the tech industry, as it raises concerns about the potential misuse of market power by Google. The FTC chair has warned that if Google is found to be inconsistent with FTC regulations, the company may face investigation and enforcement action [1].

Google has denied these allegations, maintaining that its spam filters apply equally to all users, regardless of political ideology. The company has stated that it will review the letter and engage constructively on the issue. This response underscores the company's commitment to transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.

The current antitrust landscape is marked by a series of high-profile cases against major tech companies, including Apple, Google, Meta, and OpenAI. These lawsuits allege that these firms use their dominant positions to block rivals and strengthen monopolies, spanning various sectors such as smartphone ecosystems, advertising auctions, and AI partnerships [2].

In April 2025, the Federal Trade Commission, joined by 46 states, began prosecuting Meta Platforms for maintaining an unlawful monopoly in social networking. The case argues that Meta achieved this through the acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial is ongoing, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying on the opening day [3].

In the UK, a major class action was filed against Google in April 2025, alleging that the company forced pre-installation of its search engine and browser, overcharged businesses for advertising, and unfairly promoted its own services. The lawsuit seeks £5 billion in damages, representing one of the largest collective legal challenges against Google in Europe's competition law landscape [4].

These lawsuits underscore the global legal trend against Big Tech firms, with courts in the US, UK, and Europe actively involved. The outcomes of these cases could significantly reshape how technology markets operate globally, affecting billions of users and businesses.

References:
[1] https://www.cnbctv18.com/photos/world/tech-giants-in-courtrooms-apple-google-meta-openai-face-global-antitrust-cases-19660567.htm
[2] https://www.cnbctv18.com/photos/world/tech-giants-in-courtrooms-apple-google-meta-openai-face-global-antitrust-cases-19660567.htm
[3] https://www.cnbctv18.com/photos/world/tech-giants-in-courtrooms-apple-google-meta-openai-face-global-antitrust-cases-19660567.htm
[4] https://www.cnbctv18.com/photos/world/tech-giants-in-courtrooms-apple-google-meta-openai-face-global-antitrust-cases-19660567.htm