US Sets Sights on Google in First Monopoly Trial of Modern Internet Era
The U.S. government is embarking on its first monopoly trial of the modern internet era, targeting Google’s core search business. The trial, set to begin Tuesday, will determine whether tech giants like Google became dominant by breaking the law.
The case, known as U.S. et al. v. Google, challenges Google’s alleged illegal abuse of power over online search to stifle competition. The government wants Google to change its monopolistic practices, potentially pay damages, and undergo restructuring.
The focal point of the trial is whether Google illegally solidified its dominance by paying companies like Apple to make its search engine the default option on devices. Google holds around 90 percent of the search engine market in the United States and 91 percent globally.
If successful, the trial could have significant ramifications for the largest internet companies, potentially slowing down or dismantling their growth. Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, and executives from Apple and other tech companies are expected to be called as witnesses.
The trial, which will last for 10 weeks, is being presided over by Judge Amit P. Mehta. Both the government and Google have already undergone intense preparations, deposing more than 150 people and producing over five million pages of documents.
The outcome of the trial will likely shape the future of big tech companies and set precedents in terms of antitrust regulations for the digital age. The case will test whether existing antitrust laws are applicable to today’s economy and can effectively regulate monopolistic practices in the tech industry.
Source: In Its First Monopoly Trial of Modern Internet Era, U.S. Sets Sights on Google
