US Government Pursues Google Breakup Focused on AI and Browser Market

The US government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking up Google, particularly targeting the tech giant's control over the browser market and its practices in artificial intelligence (AI).

A federal judge ruled last autumn that Google has maintained an illegal monopoly through unfair practices, leading to a second phase of the ongoing legal battle. The US Department of Justice has expressed its intention to require Google to divest its Chrome browser business, which is the world's most widely used browser.

Chrome's default settings automatically direct countless search queries to Google, thereby bolstering its advertising revenue linked to search results. This self-preferencing has drawn scrutiny from the Justice Department, which argues that it hampers competition.

The lawsuit also addresses Google's practice of paying device manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, to have Google as the preset search engine on their devices, including smartphones. Mozilla has similarly received payments for using Google as the default search engine in its Firefox browser.

In a notable development, Google has reportedly extended its controversial practices into the AI sector. The new Google chatbot, Gemini, is prominently featured as the default assistant on Android devices. Furthermore, Google has entered into an agreement with Samsung, ensuring that Gemini is pre-installed on Samsung devices, a move that reportedly involves substantial financial compensation.

During the initial proceedings, the Justice Department urged Judge Amit Mehta to enforce strict measures against Google, suggesting that the company should be mandated to separate its Chrome division. This separation, according to the plaintiffs, would provide other competitors like Bing and DuckDuckGo a fair chance in the market. The Justice Department's demands extend to the complete separation of Google's Android business and the provision of data collected through its search operations.

Google has countered these allegations, asserting that its practices do not endanger public safety or the economic success of the United States. In response to the lawsuit, the tech giant has already indicated plans to appeal any adverse rulings.