US Department of Justice accuses Google of using AI to monopolize the internet

A US Department of Justice lawyer said strong action is needed against Alphabet Inc.-owned Google to prevent it from using artificial intelligence products to expand its dominance in internet searches.

The outcome of the trial could fundamentally reshape the internet by displacing Google as the trusted gateway to online information. The Justice Department compared the lawsuit to its previous efforts to break up AT&T, Microsoft, and Standard Oil.

“It’s time to tell Google and all the other monopolists who will listen that there are consequences for violating antitrust laws,” said Justice Department lawyer David Dahlquist during his opening argument.

The Justice Department and a broad coalition of state attorneys general are seeking to force Google to sell its Chrome browser and take other measures to restore competition, even as search evolves to integrate with generative AI products like ChatGPT.