Google has rebutted accusations of illegal monopoly over the search engine market. According to Google, its competitive edge earned through innovation and quality service should not be dragged into legal challenges.
DOJ and State Coalition’s Accusation
On the contrary, the United States’ Department of Justice, backed by a coalition of states, alleges that Google’s exclusive agreements restrict market competition. The financial relationship between Google and major corporations like Apple, where Google annually expends billions of dollars to maintain the role of default search engine on Apple devices, receives special attention.
Revenue Sharing Exposed in Trial
The ongoing litigation has revealed that Google compensates Apple with 36% of revenue derived from search advertising via the Safari browser. In 2021, Google paid Apple roughly $18 billion, according to the New York Times, to retain its position as the iPhone’s default search engine.
Competitor Testimony on Market Domination
At the trial, witnesses including executives from competing search engines such as Microsoft and DuckDuckGo, described difficulties in contending with Google. They argue that Google’s market domination hinders the acquisition of sufficient search queries, which is vital for product development and enhancement.
Google’s Defense
On its part, Google emphasizes that the Ministry of Justice’s lawsuit, supported by states, seeks to punish the company for its success and innovations, contradicting, in Google’s view, the fundamental principles of U.S. antitrust laws. Google contends such an approach damages not competition but innovation and consumer interests.
Upcoming Challenges
Closing arguments for the case are due in May, followed by another trial in which Google is accused of monopolizing advertising technologies. These trials pose severe challenges to Google, but the company is determined to defend its position, based on evidence of its market leadership achieved not through antitrust violations, but rather through quality and innovation.
