Judge declares new investigation due to Google systematically destroying evidence

In a trial in which Epic Games is suing Google for antitrust violations, Judge James Donato strongly criticized Google's systematic concealment of evidence. Judge Donato also mentioned the implementation of a new investigation, saying, ``Regardless of this case, I will personally pursue the truth of who is responsible.''

Federal Judge Orders Epic v. Google Settlement Talks, Plans New Google Investigation - Thurrott.com

Federal judge vows to investigate Google for intentionally destroying chats - The Verge

Google to face investigation over deleted chat history
https://www.androidheadlines.com/2023/12/google-to-face-investigation-over-deleted-chat-history.html

Judge Donato pointed out that Google left chat messages between employees 'auto-deleted.' When CEO Sundar Pichai was asked about this setting, he admitted that the evidence had not been preserved, saying, ``I did not turn off the automatic deletion setting and save the message.''

Kent Walker, Alphabet's chief legal officer, whom Pichai relied on on the matter, testified that the company never audited whether employees were trying to save messages.

Judge Donato said of Google's destruction of evidence, ``As an American judicial officer, this is extremely concerning. 'This action is a frontal attack on the fair administration of justice. It ignores due process. It calls into question the resolution of legal disputes and is antithetical to our system.' Did.

However, it decided not to issue a ``forced inference instruction'' that would tell the jury that ``Google suppressed potentially damaging evidence in the case.'' Regarding this decision, Judge Donato said, ``It is best for the jury to decide for themselves whether they should reason. I do not intend to limit the jury's discretion by making inferences on their behalf.''

On the other hand, he also made it clear that he would not let up on his pursuit, saying, ``I will pursue this matter independently in the upcoming trial.I will thoroughly clarify who is responsible.''

Google declined to comment on this matter.