The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is stepping up its scrutiny of Google's artificial intelligence (AI) strategy as part of a broader effort to address the tech giant's alleged monopoly in the search market. The DOJ is seeking more information on Google's AI initiatives, particularly its transition from the AI project "Bard" to the more advanced AI system "Gemini".
This development comes after Judge Amit Mehta labeled Google an "illegal monopolist" during the initial phase of the trial, and the case is now transitioning into the remedies phase. The government will explore possible solutions to restore competition in the search industry, which may include structural changes to Google's business or more stringent regulations on AI integration.
Regulators are concerned that Google's control over both search data and AI development could further entrench its dominant market position. The DOJ is also scrutinizing Google's partnerships, including with Apple, to assess if they limit competition in the AI landscape.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the tech industry, particularly for companies like Meta, Amazon, and Apple, which may face similar regulatory scrutiny. The remedies phase, expected to begin in early 2025, will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and tech enthusiasts alike.
