An attorney from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasized the need for stringent measures to curb Google’s use of its artificial intelligence technologies, which may bolster its dominance in the online search market. This declaration came as the highly anticipated antitrust trial against the tech giant commenced on Monday.
The trial’s verdict has the potential to significantly alter the landscape of the internet, potentially diminishing Google’s status as the primary source for online information.
The DOJ is advocating for a court order that would compel Google to divest its Chrome browser and implement various other changes to dismantle what the court has identified as a monopoly in online search. Prosecutors have likened this case to historical antitrust actions that led to the dissolution of major companies such as AT&T and Standard Oil.
During his opening remarks, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist stated, “It is time to inform Google and other monopolistic entities that there are repercussions for violating antitrust laws.” He highlighted the ongoing scrutiny in the industry.
The Justice Department, together with a coalition of state attorneys general, is pursuing remedies they believe will encourage competition, particularly as the search market increasingly intersects with generative AI technologies like ChatGPT.
“This court’s remedy must be forward-thinking and take into account emerging developments,” Dahlquist added.
He noted that Google’s monopoly in search enhances its AI capabilities, which simultaneously serve as a pathway for users to access its search engine.
Documents presented at the trial revealed that Google has entered into a financial arrangement with Samsung to pre-install its Gemini AI application on devices, with the agreement potentially extending through 2028. Although specific financial details were kept under wraps, Dahlquist described the monthly compensation as a substantial figure.
US District Judge Amit Mehta had previously ruled that Google’s exclusive contracts with device manufacturers that designate Google as the default search engine have helped sustain its monopoly.
Nick Turley, who oversees product development for OpenAI’s ChatGPT, was anticipated to testify on Tuesday.
In his opening statement, Google’s attorney John Schmidtlein contended that the DOJ’s recommendations represent a “wishlist for competitors eager to leverage Google’s remarkable innovations.”
He argued that rival AI firms are seeking unwarranted advantages despite being capable of competing effectively.
Google maintains that its AI products are not pertinent to the current case, which is centered on search engines. In a blog post released on Sunday, executive Lee-Anne Mulholland warned that adhering to the proposed remedies would hinder American innovation at a pivotal time.
The company has indicated its intention to appeal once a final ruling is rendered.
Exclusive Agreements
Antitrust authorities have proposed extensive strategies aimed at promoting competition in the search market and providing emerging players with essential support.
Some of their recommendations include terminating Google’s exclusive contracts with manufacturers of tablets and smartphones, such as Apple, that designate Google as the default search provider on their devices.
The DOJ is also suggesting that Google be required to license its search results to competitors. Should other measures fall short in reinstating competition, the DOJ proposes that Google might need to divest its Android mobile operating system.
Google has urged the court to maintain non-exclusive status for its default agreements.
According to Google, eliminating financial arrangements with device-makers and browser developers could drive up smartphone costs and threaten the viability of companies like Mozilla, which depend on these funds for their operations.
Google intends to present witnesses from Mozilla, Verizon, and Apple, which previously attempted to intervene in the proceedings but was unsuccessful.
Non-Partisan
This case is part of an ongoing antitrust initiative targeting Big Tech that began during the first Trump administration and continues under President Biden, showing no signs of waning despite outreach from tech companies to the White House.
Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater and other DOJ officials were present in the courtroom to illustrate that this case, initiated under Trump and sustained by Biden’s administration, proposes “nonpartisan” solutions and enjoys “the full backing of the DOJ across different administrations,” Dahlquist stated.
Slater recently celebrated a victory in a separate antitrust case against Google related to advertising technology, which was filed during Biden’s term.
Meta Platforms is also currently facing an antitrust trial concerning its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
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