From the Associated Press, May 6:
The U.S. Justice Department is doubling down on its attempt to break up Google by asking a federal judge to force the company to part with some of the technology powering the company’s digital ad network. The proposed dismantling coincides with an ongoing federal effort to separate Google’s Chrome browser from its dominant search engine.
The government’s latest proposal was filed late Monday in a Virginia federal court two-and-half weeks after a federal judge ruled that its lucrative digital ad network has been improperly abusing its market power to stifle competition to the detriment of online publishers.
In a 17-page filing, Justice Department lawyers argued that U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema should punish Google by ordering the company to offload its AdX business and DFP ad platform, tools that bring together advertisers, who want to market their products, and publishers, who want to sell commercial space on their sites, to bring in revenue.
The government also is seeking other restrictions, including a 10-year ban on Google from operating a digital ad exchange, to undercut the power of a “recidivist monopolist.”
Not surprisingly, it’s an idea that Google vehemently plans to oppose when the penalty phase of the antitrust case —known as remedy hearings — begins in late September....
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Bad as that may be for the GOOG, it is not the reason folks are selling today.
From DigitalTrends, May 7:
Apple switch to AI search could be a huge blow to Google
Apple is looking into using AI search as an integrated part of its Safari browser – something that could seriously damage the control Google currently holds over online searches.
The news comes from a report posted by Bloomberg which says Apple is “actively looking at” reshaping the Safari browser. The idea is to focus on using AI-powered search engines.
Currently the Google search is Apple’s default search engine, something which Google’s Alphabet pays Apple $20 billion annually for the privilege of. That equates to about 36% of its search advertising revenue which it allegedly makes through that Safari browser traffic....
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The stock is down $12.80 (-7.75%) at $152.40.
