The remedies trial concerning Google’s search monopoly has officially begun. This trial comes after Google lost a previous case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) last year, setting the stage for a three-week examination of proposed remedies. In the opening statements, Google’s legal team dismissed the DOJ’s proposals as merely a “wishlist” aimed at promoting competition.

The DOJ argues that Google could leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to solidify its dominance in the search market. Consequently, the DOJ believes it is imperative for the court to impose stringent measures on Google to prevent this from happening. Among the remedies being sought is a requirement for Google to divest Chrome and share specific data.

Google has pushed back against these demands, asserting that the DOJ’s proposals could jeopardize American economic and technological leadership. As the trial unfolds, several AI companies are expected to provide testimony. During the opening statement, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist emphasized the need for accountability among monopolistic companies.

He stated, “This court’s remedy should be forward-looking and not ignore what is on the horizon,” referring to the way Google’s search monopoly enhances its AI capabilities, further entrenching its market position. Additionally, Google’s agreement with Samsung regarding the pre-installation of its AI product, Gemini, was mentioned. Google is reportedly making significant payments to maintain this deal, which suggests a strategic effort to secure its presence on Samsung devices.

Google’s lawyer, John Schmidtlein, argued that the proposed measures from the DOJ would effectively serve competitors seeking an unfair advantage. He asserted that these AI initiatives fall outside the trial’s focus on search engines. Following the trial’s conclusion, regardless of its outcome, Google has already indicated plans for an appeal.