The Competition Bureau has obtained a court order to advance its ongoing investigation into Google’s online advertising practices in Canada. The investigation is to determine whether Google has engaged in certain practices that harm competition in the online display advertising industry and run counter to provisions of the Competition Act, including the abuse of dominance provision.

Google owns four of the largest online ad tech services used in Canada: DoubleClick for Publishers, AdZ, Display & Video 360 and Google Ads.

Initially, the Bureau’s investigation was focused on allegations that Google was leveraging its market power in the supply of video advertising into the market for advertiser buying tools. The investigation has now expanded to examine ways Google may be using its market power across display ad tech services in a way that harms competition and may be using predatory pricing in certain display ad services. The result of these activities could result in higher prices and reduced choices, while also hindering innovation in the display ad services market.

The court order, granted by the Federal Court of Canada, requires Google to produce records and written information that are relevant to the Bureau’s investigation. The investigation is ongoing and there is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time. Google was first investigated by the Bureau in 2016 for alleged anti-competitive conduct related to online search, search advertising ad display advertising.