No Standard Oil without oil: The Tipline for 11 March 2020

Two senators called on the Department of Justice yesterday to remember Google’s main product – online search – as it investigates the company. During a hearing on competition in technology markets, a representative from Yelp was in firm agreement. Yelp public policy director Luther Lowe noted in his written testimony yesterday that Google directs online searchers to its own reviews instead of Yelp’s, even though Yelp has better quality control for reviews. Using a recognisable example for his Congressional audience, Lowe noted that Google rates the Capitol-area bar Bullfeathers 4.1 out of 5 stars, while Yelp gives it 3 out of 5 stars. “I’ll let those who spend their time on Capitol Hill reflect on what is a better predictor of the offline experience,” he added.