The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has called for strict measures to curb Google’s dominance in online search, as a high-stakes antitrust trial began on Monday. The case could dramatically alter the internet by potentially dethroning Google as the main gateway for information online.
The DOJ is pushing for an order that would require Google to sell its Chrome browser and implement other measures to dismantle what a judge has previously recognized as a monopoly in search. Prosecutors have drawn comparisons to historic antitrust cases that led to the breakup of companies like AT&T and Standard Oil.
“This is the time to tell Google and other monopolists that there are consequences for violating antitrust laws,” said DOJ attorney David Dahlquist in his opening statement.
The DOJ, alongside a group of state attorneys general, is calling for remedies aimed at reintroducing competition in the online search market, especially as technologies like generative AI—exemplified by tools like ChatGPT—become more integrated with search.
“Google’s dominance in search helps boost its AI products, which in turn drive more users to its search engine,” Dahlquist explained.
One key point of contention in the case is Google’s agreement to pay Samsung to install its Gemini AI app on smartphones, a deal set to last until at least 2028. Although the financial details are undisclosed, Dahlquist described the sum as “enormous.”
Google has also faced criticism for exclusive contracts with device manufacturers, making Google the default search engine on devices, which a judge previously ruled helped maintain its monopoly.
In response, Google’s legal team argues that AI products should not be considered part of this case, which focuses on search engines. “These remedies are a wishlist for competitors who want to benefit from Google’s innovations,” said Google attorney John Schmidtlein.
The company also warned that the DOJ’s proposed measures could stifle American innovation, particularly at a time when AI technology is rapidly developing. Google plans to appeal any final judgment, the company said in a statement.
Proposed Remedies and Their Impact
The DOJ has suggested sweeping changes to create a more competitive search market. Among these are proposals to end Google’s exclusive agreements with device makers like Apple, which would prevent Google from being the default search engine on their devices. Google would also be required to license its search results to competitors.
In the event that these measures fail to restore competition, the DOJ has proposed that Google might have to sell its Android operating system.
Google countered by saying that making its agreements non-exclusive would be enough. The company also warned that ending its payments to device makers and browser developers could raise the cost of smartphones and threaten the viability of companies like Mozilla, which rely on Google’s payments to operate.
As the trial continues, witnesses from Mozilla, Verizon, and Apple are expected to testify. Apple had attempted to intervene in the case but was unsuccessful.
A Bipartisan Antitrust Effort
This case is part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech, which began during the Trump administration and continues under President Joe Biden. The DOJ’s antitrust division is pushing forward with what it calls “nonpartisan” remedies, showing strong support from both Republican and Democratic officials.
Recently, the DOJ scored a victory in a separate antitrust case against Google related to its advertising technology. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is also facing its own antitrust trial regarding the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
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