- Google’s monopoly on the search engine helps its AI strategy, says DOJ
- Its use of artificial intelligence also supports its search engine
- Google plans to appeal when a final judgment has been made
Google is facing an antitrust attempt over its alleged abuse of AI products that could be perceived as strengthening its dominance in online search -something it is already under the microscope.
The Ministry of Justice has set out to break Google’s monopoly over the search market and potentially reshape the Internet landscape by giving other companies a chance to enter the action.
With the ongoing investigation, it is unclear what consequences Google might have, but it has been suggested that it may be forced to sell its chrome browser to Pacifiy legislators and conduct the antitrust survey.
Google’s search monopoly could be increased by AI
DOJ claims that Google’s monopoly improves its AI products, which further increases its dominance, but the US Agency has suggested that a wider, forward-looking remedies could be needed due to the growing nature of generative AI.
DOJ -Attorney David Dahlquist explained that Google’s search monopoly helps improve its AI products, but they also act as a way to lure users to the search engine and highlight the intertwined nature of the company’s products and the complex nature of the trial.
Among the offers that were highlighted at the trial were Google’s monthly payment to Samsung, which allows the company to pre-install the Gemini AI app on devices. The payment is a “huge sum,” Dahlquist said.
Very nearly 90% of all online searches use Google (via Statcounter), with Chrome accounting for about two-thirds of all online sessions.
Google’s exclusive agreements to be the default search engine has already been criticized for its monopoly, including its $ 20 billion payment to Apple in 2022 alone (via Bloomberg).
Google has said its AI products are not associated with the search engine’s case (via Pakinomist) and that it plans to appeal when a final judgment has been taken.
