Google Faces Breakup Threat as DOJ Pushes Back on AI and Search Monopoly
The U.S. Justice Department is back in court with Google, pushing for tough remedies after a judge ruled the tech giant has an illegal monopoly on online search. Prosecutors argue Google’s dominance isn’t just about search engines anymore — it’s about artificial intelligence too, pointing out that Google is already paying what they call “an enormous sum” to Samsung to make its AI app Gemini the default on devices. DOJ lawyer David Dahlquist said the court must act now to prevent Google from using AI to “entrench its search monopoly even further.”
Google’s response? Breaking up the company would hurt more than help. The company claims forcing a sale of its Chrome browser or Android operating system would slow innovation, raise prices for consumers, and even jeopardize national security. “We’re in a fiercely competitive global race with China for the next generation of technology leadership,” said Google’s VP for regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland. The company insists that its products like Chrome and Android help users and businesses, not block competition.
The outcome of this trial could reshape the tech industry, with Judge Amit Mehta expected to decide by August. Google has made it clear it will appeal if the court sides with the DOJ, but smaller players like Perplexity argue the real solution is giving users more choice, not just breaking up big companies.
