Introduction to the Case
An OpenAI executive said the company would consider acquiring Google’s Chrome browser if regulators force Alphabet to sell it as part of efforts to boost competition in search. This comment was made during Google’s antitrust trial in Washington, where the US Department of Justice is pressing for broad measures to break Google’s dominance in online search. A judge previously ruled that Google holds a monopoly in search and related advertising markets, though the company plans to appeal.
The Trial and Its Implications
Google has not put Chrome up for sale, but the executive’s remarks offered a glimpse into how major players in artificial intelligence are watching the case. The trial is also shedding light on the broader generative AI landscape, where companies are racing to build tools and expand their user base. In opening statements, government lawyers raised concerns that Google’s strength in search could give it an edge in AI by funnelling users to its own services. Google, for its part, argued that the generative AI market is competitive, pointing to offerings from Microsoft and Meta.
OpenAI’s Perspective
An internal OpenAI document presented during the trial showed that the company’s head of product, Nick Turley, previously wrote that ChatGPT was leading in the chatbot space and didn’t see Google as its biggest rival. On the stand, Turley clarified that the document was intended to motivate employees and did not reflect the company’s full strategic view. He also said OpenAI still values partnerships, including potential collaborations around distribution. Turley testified that OpenAI had tried to partner with Google to integrate its search technology into ChatGPT. After facing issues with its existing search provider, OpenAI approached Google last July, suggesting that access to Google’s API could improve the quality of ChatGPT responses. Google turned down the request the following month, citing the presence of too many competitors.
The Importance of Search for ChatGPT
Turley said that the DOJ’s proposal to make Google share its search data could support OpenAI’s ability to deliver more accurate and timely results to users. Search remains important for ChatGPT, especially when it comes to addressing real-time queries, he said. According to Turley, ChatGPT is still years away from being able to independently handle around 80% of such questions using its own search system.
Google’s Deals with Device Makers
The trial also revisited how Google has structured its deals with device makers. In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta found that Google used exclusive contracts to keep its search engine as the default on Android devices, including those made by Samsung. Documents presented in court showed that Google had discussed bundling exclusivity not only for search, but also for its Chrome browser and Gemini AI app. However, more recent agreements between Google and partners like Samsung, Motorola, AT&T, and Verizon have shifted. These newer deals allow pre-installation of competing services, reflecting a more open approach.
The Justice Department’s Stance
The Justice Department is pushing for stricter remedies. It wants the court to ban Google from paying partners to prioritise its search engine, a move it says is needed to create space for rival offerings. Peter Fitzgerald, a Google executive, testified that the company recently reminded its partners that they are free to include other AI tools on new devices. Letters reiterating this position were sent as recently as last week, he said.
Expert Insights
While the DOJ is seeking structural changes—including limits on the payments Google can offer to secure default status on devices—some legal experts say a sweeping outcome may be unlikely in the near term. “The DOJ’s stance does appear robust, but in actuality, the likelihood of a swift resolution that requires Google to make sweeping changes to its business structure in the immediate term is remote,” said Gareth Mills, partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys.
Conclusion
The trial has far-reaching implications for the future of online search and the development of artificial intelligence. While the outcome is uncertain, one thing is clear: the case will have significant consequences for Google and the broader tech industry. As the trial continues, it will be important to watch for developments and consider the potential impact on the future of search and AI.
FAQs
- What is the current status of the antitrust trial against Google?
The trial is ongoing, with the US Department of Justice seeking broad measures to break Google’s dominance in online search. - What is OpenAI’s interest in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser?
OpenAI’s executive said the company would consider acquiring Google’s Chrome browser if regulators force Alphabet to sell it as part of efforts to boost competition in search. - What is the importance of search for ChatGPT?
Search remains important for ChatGPT, especially when it comes to addressing real-time queries, and the company is still years away from being able to independently handle around 80% of such questions using its own search system. - What is the Justice Department’s stance on Google’s deals with device makers?
The Justice Department is pushing for stricter remedies, including a ban on Google paying partners to prioritise its search engine, to create space for rival offerings.
