Google says it’s the leading search engine because users prefer it over others in antitrust trial defense

Google has dismissed accusations that it is the world’s biggest search engine because of illegal practices. Google has been accused of monopolizing the market, making huge payments to Apple, Samsung, and others. The US antitrust trial is in Washington and will last for up to 10 weeks.

The US alleges that Google spends billions of dollars to sustain and maintain its monopoly as a search engine. Opening statements have been made by both sides to kickstart the trial. This first phase will assess whether Google has monopolized the market through underhand means.

A lawyer representing Google at the trial said that companies choose Google as the default search engine in their products because it is the best, and not due to a lack of competition. He asserted that Google was popular because it delivers value to consumers.

The high-stakes antitrust trial will expectedly be followed keenly. The case is a major test of the power of US regulators over global tech companies. The government’s lawsuit says Google typically pays $10 billion every year to Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla for it to be pre-installed as the default search engine in their devices and browsers. This therefore secured Google’s access to a steady stream of user data that helped maintain its hold on the market.

The trial will feature testimony from Google boss Sundar Pichai and also Apple executives. Judge Amit Mehta will decide the case – the biggest for the industry in 25 years.

Google recently settled another case over its App Store instituted by US states. It is also facing a federal lawsuit over its advertising business and has been fined billions of dollars in monopoly cases in Europe. A loss in this case may lead to a possible break-up in Google.

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(via)