How Google became the internet giant at the center of a government crackdown
Briefly

The article discusses Google's immense influence over the internet and current legal battles regarding its monopolistic practices. Courts have found Google to possess an illegal monopoly in various sectors, which could lead to its breakup, similar to AT&T's historic division. Other major tech companies are under scrutiny for similar practices. A breakup would impact Google's operations amid advancing AI technologies that challenge its business model. The future of Google remains uncertain as ongoing hearings could reshuffle how billions engage with online services, with a decision anticipated in August.
Since 2023, federal judges and a jury have ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly, raising the possibility of a significant breakup for the tech giant.
The surge in AI and chatbots poses a direct challenge to Google's core business, making the outcome of ongoing hearings critical to its future.
Google's dominance in search stems from its innovative ranking system and a series of acquisitions, establishing its plurality across the internet.
The friction to switch from Google to an alternative search engine is high; consumers remain loyal because switching offers no clear benefits.
Read at Aol
[
|
]