In an ongoing antitrust case, Google has provided testimony regarding its financial agreements with Samsung. The company confirmed that it pays Samsung a monthly fee to have its AI product, Gemini, pre-installed on Galaxy devices, although the specific amount has not been disclosed. This move signifies Google’s efforts to dominate the AI sector, similar to its long-standing position in the search engine market. Peter Fitzgerald, Google’s Vice President of Platforms and Device Partnerships, testified in a Washington court that the payments to Samsung began in January under a two-year contract.

In addition to the monthly fee, Google has also agreed to share a portion of the ad revenue generated by Gemini with Samsung. This arrangement suggests that Samsung’s decision to feature Gemini prominently on its devices is influenced by financial incentives rather than merely product quality or capabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is prosecuting Google for its monopolistic practices concerning search engines. The existing antitrust laws are designed to maintain a fair marketplace by preventing companies from unfairly overshadowing their competitors.

Last year, Google was found guilty of such practices, and the current case will determine the consequences and necessary changes for the company. The DOJ is seeking to break up Google’s services, which would involve separating Chrome and Android into distinct entities that would no longer be default choices. As competition in the AI industry intensifies, with players like Microsoft and China’s DeepSeek emerging, the stakes are high. Microsoft’s Copilot has already gained an edge, being utilized in various Samsung and LG televisions.

If Google continues to secure default status through financial means, it could stifle innovation and development in the AI space, prompting the government to prioritize a balanced competitive landscape.