The United States Department of Justice has accused Google of using its artificial intelligence products to reinforce its monopoly in online search, calling for major restrictions to prevent the company from taking over emerging technologies.
The trial, which began on Monday, could lead to structural changes in how Google operates. Government lawyers are pushing for remedies that go beyond previous cases, including the possible sale of Google’s Chrome browser and an end to its exclusive deals with smartphone and browser manufacturers.
During his opening statement, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist said, “Now is the time to tell Google and all other monopolists who are out there listening, and they are listening, that there are consequences when you break the antitrust laws.”
The Justice Department argues that Google’s control of search gives it an advantage in AI development, and that its AI products are being used to drive more users back to its search engine, further locking out competitors.
Evidence presented in court showed that Google pays Samsung a monthly fee—described in court as “an enormous sum”—to install the Gemini AI app on Samsung devices. The agreement reportedly runs until 2028.
Google maintains that its AI products are outside the scope of the antitrust case. In a blog post, Lee-Anne Mulholland, a Google executive, wrote, “Adopting the proposed remedies would hold back American innovation at a critical juncture.” The company has said it will appeal the case if the final judgment goes against it.
Prosecutors want the court to take future developments into account and prevent Google from using upcoming AI technology to continue excluding rivals. “This court’s remedy should be forward-looking and not ignore what is on the horizon,” Dahlquist said.
Google’s lawyer, John Schmidtlein, said the proposed actions from the DOJ were excessive. “It’s a wishlist for competitors looking to get the benefits of Google’s extraordinary innovations,” he said. He argued that AI competitors like OpenAI are already performing well in the market. OpenAI’s product head, Nick Turley, is expected to testify during the trial.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta had earlier ruled that Google’s agreements with device manufacturers, which made its search engine the default option, were a key part of maintaining its monopoly.
The DOJ now wants to prohibit such agreements and require Google to license its search results to competitors. If those steps do not create more competition, the DOJ is prepared to ask for the forced sale of the Android operating system.
Google has warned that removing its payment arrangements with companies like Apple and Mozilla would increase the cost of smartphones and threaten the business models of firms that rely on those payments.
This case follows a recent ruling in which Google was found to have violated antitrust laws in the online advertising sector. It is part of a wider series of regulatory actions targeting large technology companies in the U.S. and globally.
Similar actions have been taken in other countries, including India, where Google settled a case involving Android TV practices with the Competition Commission of India.
The case against Google began under the Trump administration and is being continued by the Biden administration. DOJ officials, including Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, were present in court to show support for the trial. “The full support of the DOJ both past and present,” said Dahlquist, referring to the continuity of the case across administrations.
Other tech companies including Meta, Amazon, and Apple are also facing antitrust investigations or legal actions.
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