The US vs Google Trial on Antitrust Case

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November 13, 2023

The US vs Google Trial: What You Need to Know

We find ourselves nearly two months deep into the landmark antitrust case initiated by the Justice Department against Google. As the legal proceedings unfold, fresh revelations continue to surface. Over the past few weeks, additional insights into Google’s inner workings have emerged, shedding light on lucrative search queries, revenue-sharing agreements with Android Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and the grievances Expedia holds against Google.

What is the Google vs. U.S. Antitrust Case?

The core argument posited by the government asserts that Google leverages its platforms and partnerships to stifle competition in the realms of search and advertising. This alleged maneuver obstructs competitors from accessing crucial data to enhance their products. Ruling against Google, potential repercussions include behavioral changes by the search giant, mandated sharing of APIs with third-party developers, and prohibitions on engaging in anticompetitive and exclusive agreements with device manufacturers and wireless carriers.

A ruling against Google could necessitate the relinquishment of a significant portion, if not all, of its amassed data to other search engines, enabling them to refine their products and expand their user base. The case aims to underscore the continued relevance of antitrust laws, emphasizing that even though Google dominates the internet, it is not exempt from U.S. legal constraints.

The outcome of the Google case may reverberate across other significant cases involving Big Tech. The FTC’s lawsuit against Amazon, ongoing investigations into Apple’s app policies, and the FTC’s dispute with Facebook over the divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp are all part of the broader landscape.

Notably, this antitrust trial is not Google’s sole legal battle at present. Recently settled cases with Match Group and the ongoing trial with Epic Games further highlight the multifaceted challenges Google is currently navigating.

Judge Amit Mehta recently made public a list disclosing Google’s most lucrative search queries. These terms, ordered by revenue, provide a glimpse into the significant sources of income for Google. Unsurprisingly, queries related to iPhones, auto insurance, and cheap flights topped the list, underscoring Google’s dominance in vertical search within specific market categories.

Agreements for Google Apps on Android Devices

Google employee Jamie Rosenberg defended the company emphasizing the intense competition between Google and Apple. He detailed the Mobile App Distribution Agreement (MADA) that requires Android device manufacturers to preload a bundle of 11 Google apps, including Search, Chrome, and Play. Additionally, revenue-sharing agreements (RSAs) with smartphone makers and carriers mandate the default inclusion of Google search and Chrome. Rosenberg argued that these agreements foster healthy competition and incentivize companies to produce and sell more Android devices.

European Antitrust Fine

On November 10, the government presented evidence suggesting that Google’s efforts to enhance its search engine in the European Union were catalyzed by a €5 billion antitrust fine in 2018. Internal documents revealed that, following the fine, Google implemented a plan called “Go Big in Europe” to improve search results in France and Germany by incorporating more local content. This revelation supports the Justice Department’s argument that competition is a driving force for Google to enhance its products, especially in a monopolistic scenario.

Mozilla's Defense

Mozilla CEO Mitchell Baker, in a recorded deposition for Google’s defense, defended Google’s search quality, recounting Mozilla’s unfavorable experience when it switched Firefox’s default search engine from Google to Yahoo. Baker highlighted that users preferred and expected Google.

Grievances Regarding Ads and Costs

Expedia’s Chairman, Barry Diller, voiced concerns on November 1 about the escalating number of ads in Google’s search results, impacting organic listings. Diller highlighted Google’s actions as punitive and detrimental to a level playing field. Testimonies from Expedia executives outlined the substantial increase in ad fees from 2015 to 2019, with minimal impact on search results. This was attributed to direct competition from Google, which began incorporating its own flight and hotel data into search results during that period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ongoing US vs Google trial is a significant antitrust case that aims to address Google’s alleged anti-competitive practices in the realms of search and advertising. As the trial progresses, new insights into Google’s operations and their impact on competition continue to emerge. From revenue-sharing agreements to grievances from competitors like Expedia, the trial sheds light on the complex dynamics of the digital marketplace.

The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications not only for Google but for the entire tech industry. It serves as a reminder that even dominant players in the market are not exempt from legal constraints, emphasizing the continued relevance of antitrust laws in the digital age. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial unfolds and its potential impact on the tech industry becomes clearer.

Are you familiar with the ongoing US vs Google antitrust trial and its potential implications? How do you perceive the dominance of big tech companies like Google in the digital marketplace? Are you interested in learning more about the impact of antitrust laws on the tech industry? Share your thoughts below.