The antitrust trial in Washington, which marks the most significant case in 25 years, is nearing its end as Google defends itself against the DOJ’s attempts to break its stronghold on online search. The trial, spanning 10 weeks, has seen accusations from the government that Alphabet, Google’s parent company, engages in anti-competitive practices by forming agreements with wireless carriers, browser developers, and device manufacturers worth tens of billions annually.
Google’s lawyer, John Schmidtlein, refuted claims of hindering competition, arguing that users have plenty of alternatives to choose from. On the other hand, Kenneth Dintzer, representing the government, emphasized the harm caused by Google’s anti-competitive behavior, citing the tech giant’s significant investments to secure default search positions.
Court documents revealed Alphabet’s substantial payments to Apple to secure default search engine status, highlighting the importance of such agreements. Judge Amit Mehta noted the evolution of the search market over the past decade, questioning the impact of limited competition and barriers to entry.
The trial also delved into Google’s alleged monopolization of advertising, with accusations of price manipulation. Google defended its practices, citing the diverse and significant competition in the search market driven by the quality of its products.
This trial is a key test for the Biden administration’s efforts to rein in Big Tech power, following similar cases against other tech giants. The outcome carries significant implications for the industry.
