US Justice Department Challenges Google's Pre-Installation Deal with Verizon: Antitrust Trial Threatens Future of Internet Dominance

The US Justice Department has raised concerns over Google's pre-installation of its Chrome browser and search engine on Verizon mobile phones. In an ongoing antitrust trial, the government aims to prove that Alphabet's Google violated antitrust laws to maintain its dominance in online search. Brian Higgins, a former Verizon executive, testified that Google's Chrome browser is pre-installed on the company's mobile phones.

The government argues that Google's annual payments of $10 billion to mobile carriers helped it secure powerful default positions on smartphones, boosting its data-driven business, including online advertising. Google's defense focuses on the quality of its product rather than any illegal actions to build monopolies. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for the future of the internet, which is currently dominated by a few tech giants. If Google is found guilty, the U.S. District Judge may order the company to stop its illegal practices or even divest certain assets.