Ohio Court of Appeals Rules Google Search Is Not a Common Carrier
The Ohio Court of Appeals rejected the state's argument that Google Search should be classified as a common carrier under Ohio law, ruling that Google fails to meet the traditional two-prong test for such classification. The case stemmed from Ohio Attorney General concerns that Google prioritized profitable content over the most relevant search results. The ruling is significant because it preserves Google's editorial discretion over search results and suggests that technology platforms may not fit traditional common carrier frameworks.
In State ex rel. Yost v. Google, LLC, decided Monday, the Ohio Court of Appeals held that Google Search does not qualify as a common carrier under Ohio common law. The state had argued that Google's monopoly power and alleged prioritization of profitable content over relevance warranted common carrier regulation. The three-judge panel declined to expand common carrier doctrine, citing concerns about preemption, free speech implications, and the expressive nature of search results. The court traced the common carrier doctrine from medieval English law through modern telecommunications regulation, noting that while the doctrine has historically adapted to new technologies through legislative action, the judiciary should defer complex policy choices involving speech and technology to the legislature. The decision reflects tension between regulating dominant technology platforms and preserving their editorial discretion, ultimately concluding that traditional rate regulation frameworks do not fit modern platform economics.
What different sources said
- ReasonRight
Google Isn't a Common Carrier, Ohio Court of Appeals Rules
Related
Halfway Through 2026 Primary Season: Six Key Takeaways from Congressional Races
Four more states held primaries this week, bringing the total to 26 states that have completed regular congressional primaries in the 2026 midterm cycle. Key patterns emerging include front-runners not always winning, House members struggling to advance to statewide office, and President Trump's endorsement record remaining largely successful despite low approval ratings. These trends are shaping the competitive landscape for the general election.
Congress Struggles to Build Support for $9 Billion Rayburn House Office Building Renovation
The Architect of the Capitol is pushing for a major renovation of the Rayburn House Office Building, which could cost $9 billion and last until 2045, but lawmakers remain hesitant to commit to the project. The building, constructed in 1965, is experiencing serious deterioration including 16 major leaks in the past year alone and risks of catastrophic system failure. The challenge reflects a broader political difficulty: Congress has historically been reluctant to fund its own infrastructure, with legislative branch spending averaging just 0.15 percent of total budget authority since 1976.
Study Finds College Faculty Lean Significantly Left, Raising Questions About Campus Ideological Diversity
A study commissioned by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression found that college faculty donors have an average ideology score of -1.02, comparable to Senator Bernie Sanders's -1.14, indicating strong leftward lean among faculty. The research cross-referenced over 100,000 faculty members with campaign contribution data, and separate surveys found only 20% of faculty believed a conservative scholar would be welcome in their department. The findings raise concerns about ideological diversity in higher education and its potential influence on student political attitudes.