U.S. vs. Google, Apple in the Crosshairs, Satya Nadella Cries Wolf
Hello everyone. Today’s update is focused on the U.S. vs. Google search antitrust trial taking place in Washington. We begin with a brief summary of the trial. The discussion then turns to Neil’s thoughts on Eddy Cue’s and Satya Nadella’s testimonies.
U.S. vs. Google
Last month, the Justice Department’s civil trial against Google kicked off in Washington. The trial is focused on Google search with a spotlight put on Google’s deal with Apple to be default search on Safari.
The argument being made by the U.S. Justice Department is that these default search deals have helped Google prevent competitors, like Microsoft, from getting search queries and therefore the ability to improve their own search product(s). The agreements with Apple etc. are also said to hurt innovation as Google doesn’t need to do as much to maintain its search position since it can simply pay for continued prioritized access to users. All of this is alleged to result in higher prices for advertisers and less choice for consumers.
Google’s response is that it has the best search product in the marketplace. As it pertains to the Apple deal,
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