
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking at ways to break Google’s hold on online search, which could have big effects on the company’s profits and its work in artificial intelligence (AI), according to a Reuters report. While a final decision might take years, the DOJ’s proposed changes could reshape Google’s business and its future.
On Tuesday, the DOJ announced that it might ask a judge to make Google sell off parts of its business, like the Chrome browser and the Android operating system. The DOJ argues these products help keep Google’s illegal monopoly on online search.
In addition to potential sales, the DOJ is considering several other actions. These include stopping Google from collecting sensitive user data, requiring Google to share its search results with competitors, and allowing websites to opt out of having their content used to train AI models. They may also set up a court-monitored technical committee to oversee Google’s operations.
These changes could lower Google’s revenue and give more opportunities to competitors like Microsoft Bing and DuckDuckGo. Analyst Gil Luria described the DOJ’s approach as a plan to dismantle Google’s successful formula. One key proposal is to share data with rivals, which could help new competitors emerge.
Google is already facing pressure in the AI field from companies like OpenAI and Perplexity. Analysts warn that if the DOJ restricts Google’s access to important data for training AI, it could weaken Google’s competitive edge. Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik pointed out that Google doesn’t need additional challenges in the AI race.
This situation marks the biggest U.S. antitrust action since the 1999 case against Microsoft. However, some experts are skeptical about how likely these major changes are. Adam Kovacevich, head of the tech trade group Chamber of Progress, noted that the DOJ’s proposals might be too broad and may not hold up in court.
US judge orders Google to allow competing apps on Play Store for 3 years
Source – Reuters
Via – Mint