Chile’s major TV networks file antitrust complaint against Google

Thursday 07 May 2026 - 11:45

Chile’s six largest television networks have filed a formal complaint against Google, accusing the tech giant of abusing its dominant position in search engines and digital advertising markets.

The complaint was submitted to Chile’s Tribunal for the Defense of Free Competition (TDLC) and is backed by the National Television Association (Anatel). The media organizations argue that Google’s practices are anti-competitive and have contributed to declining revenues in the traditional media sector.

According to Anatel, the objective of the legal action is to ensure fair competition in the digital advertising ecosystem and to require Google to adopt measures that prevent market distortion. The association claims that the company controls access to audiences and advertising revenues while benefiting from journalistic content produced and financed by others.

Anatel’s president, Pablo Vidal, stated that digital platforms like Google capture the economic value of journalism without assuming corresponding responsibilities. He warned that this imbalance is affecting the sustainability of independent media.

The complaint has been filed by major Chilean broadcasters, including Canal 13, Televisión Nacional de Chile, Mega, Chilevisión, TV+ and La Red. These outlets represent some of the country’s most widely viewed television networks.

Media representatives argue that the impact goes beyond financial losses, pointing to staff reductions in newsrooms, reduced regional coverage, weakened oversight of public authorities, and declining access to quality information for citizens.

Similar legal actions against Google have been launched in other regions, including the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, where media organizations have raised comparable concerns over digital dominance.

In Chile, additional complaints have also been filed by other media groups, including Copesa (publisher of La Tercera), Radio Cooperativa, and the news website El Mostrador.