Google's AI Ambitions Under Antitrust Microscope: DOJ Probes Gemini Rebranding
Google’s AI Strategy Under Scrutiny in Antitrust Case
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking to delve deeper into Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy as part of its ongoing antitrust case against the tech giant. This development comes as the case transitions into its remedies phase, following a recent ruling that found Google liable under antitrust law.
In a federal court hearing in Washington, DC, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist emphasized the need for additional discovery to understand Google’s recent business decisions, particularly those related to AI. The previous trial primarily covered deals up to the early part of this decade, but the DOJ now aims to gather information on more recent developments.
The Justice Department’s interest in Google’s AI initiatives, including the recent rebranding of its AI from Bard to Gemini, underscores the rapidly evolving nature of the tech landscape and its potential impact on market competition.
Judge Amit Mehta, who presided over the initial phase of the trial, has expressed a preference for hearing arguments on potential remedies in the first half of next year. The remedies phase, expected to last one to two weeks, will focus on proposing solutions to restore market competition in the search engine sector.
As the case progresses, both parties are set to file a new scheduling proposal by next Friday. This next phase of the trial will be crucial in determining what changes, if any, Google may be required to implement to address concerns about its market dominance.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the search engine market and influencing the development and deployment of AI technologies.
