US AI Prospects at Risk as Google’s Antitrust Trial Continues
The ongoing antitrust trial against Google’s search engine "monopoly" is causing concern that it may harm the US’s AI prospects, claims the tech giant. As the trial reconvened on Monday, Google argued that in order to compete with China, the US needs Google in its "full form." The Department of Justice (DoJ) has called for Google to divest its assets, specifically its Chrome browser and search data, to level the playing field for the company’s rivals.
Google’s Assets at Stake
The DoJ proposal to break up Google’s search engine monopoly will significantly harm the US’s progress in the ongoing battle for AI supremacy, according to the company. With the antitrust case reconvening on Monday, Google is set to argue that divesting its assets will "hamstring" innovation, particularly in the field of AI.
The Importance of Google’s Assets
In a blog post on Monday, the company asserted that breaking up Google is not in the best interests of the US. Notably, it mentioned DeepSeek in the opening paragraph, as it appeals to President Trump’s desperation to get the upper hand on China, where AI is concerned. The statement reads: "DoJ’s proposal would also hamstring how we develop AI…That would hold back American innovation at a critical juncture. We’re in a fiercely competitive global race with China for the next generation of technology leadership, and Google is at the forefront of American companies making scientific and technological breakthroughs."
The Consequences of a Ruling
The case is the result of a DoJ investigation into whether or not Google has flouted antitrust rules in the US. The department maintains that the company has unfairly strangled competition to install itself as the de facto search engine in the US. It has called for the company to divest its flagship Chrome browser, and open its search data up to rivals. Google disputes the allegations.
The Verdict Looms
Last year, a federal judge ruled in favor of the DoJ, kickstarting the landmark antitrust case. The ongoing trial will determine the consequences of that ruling, with the trial set to end on May 9, and a verdict expected in August. During proceedings on Monday, DoJ attorney David Dahlquist also argued that Google would need strong measures imposed on it to discourage it from using its own AI products to further its search dominance.
The US-China AI Rivalry
In citing US innovation, and in particular the AI race, Google hopes to play on President Trump’s sympathies – as well as his antipathy towards China. It’s not exactly clear which steps the President could take to mitigate the punishment for Google, but with his last-minute TikTok reprieve in January, he has demonstrated a willingness to intervene where Big Tech is concerned.
The Stakes are High
The US and China are engaged in a hotly contested battle for AI supremacy, with no clear winner at present. In the last few months, a series of Chinese innovations has turned the sector on its head, where previously the US could lay claim to be the global frontrunners.
Will Google’s Plea Work?
In an effort to stymie Chinese progress, Trump recently issued new restrictions on DeepSeek. Google will hope that, in his eagerness to unseat China in the AI stakes, the President throws his lot in with the company and ensures a favorable ruling come August.