Google CEO to testify in landmark antitrust trial against DOJ

Google CEO Sundar Pichai is set to testify on Wednesday in a high-profile trial in Washington, where the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing for an order that could force the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser and take steps to enhance competition in online search.

Pichai will defend Alphabet, Google's parent company, against the DOJ's proposed actions, which Google argues would negatively impact browser developers, smartphone manufacturers, and internet users alike.

The trial’s outcome could significantly alter the landscape of the internet, with the potential to weaken Google's position as the dominant search engine. The DOJ, supported by a coalition of state attorneys general, is advocating for remedies aimed at restoring competition, especially as search technologies converge with generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Prosecutors are concerned that Google’s search dominance may extend into the AI space.

In 2024, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google has no genuine competitors in the search market, noting that Google has maintained its monopoly by paying companies such as Apple, Samsung, AT&T, and Verizon billions to ensure its search engine is the default on mobile devices.

The DOJ seeks to end these payments and compel Google to share its search data with rivals. Google counters that these measures would undermine its privacy protections and give away its hard-earned data, while also harming smaller players like Mozilla, which depends on Google for revenue.

In response to mounting scrutiny, Google has relaxed some of its agreements, allowing device makers and carriers to pre-install alternative search and AI apps. Despite these changes, Google has indicated it plans to appeal any final decision once the judge delivers a ruling.