Google absolutely controls communication. Two examples,

Example 1: GMail. Google uses the mass adoption of GMail as a cudgel. It's no longer possible to independently host email without being marked as spam or rate limited by Google, https://tutanota.com/blog/posts/gmail-independent-email

Example 2: Google did a good old "Embrace, Extend and Extinguish" on XMPP, https://ploum.net/2023-06-23-how-to-kill-decentralised-netwo...

The parent clearly noted they do not use Google services voluntarily, but are required to by their employer and various websites. Which is exactly the reason for antitrust.

Even if you personally don't use GMail, a considerable amount of personal emails have at least one participant who uses it. Every social person who uses email has some of their communication read by Google. People who like hyperbole will phrase that as all of their communication is data mined and therefore controlled.

I have no control on my accointances using gmail, nor than I control the fact that key services only make their website chrome-only and their mobile app available only on the Google play store.