Fifty states led by Texas target Google's 'potential monopolistic behavior' in new antitrust probe as they examine if the tech giant has gotten too big and effective at stomping out rivals

Fifty U.S. states and territories, led by Texas, have announced an antitrust investigation into Google's 'potential monopolistic behavior' as they examine whether the Silicon Valley tech giant has gotten too big and effective at stomping or acquiring rivals.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton formally announced the probe on Monday and said it would focus on Google's advertising business.

States have formally requested documents from Google on its advertising business.

Several of the attorneys general at the announcement in Washington D.C. described the investigation as 'preliminary' but said they expected it would expand to cover other issues including data privacy.

The probe is the latest blow against big tech companies as antitrust investigations ramp up in the U.S. and around the world.