On March 7, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped a plan to compel Google to divest its interests in AI firms, like Anthropic, to enhance competition in online search. The DOJ and 38 state attorneys general will impose measures to address concerns about Google. Court documents stated, "The American dream embodies values beyond mere commercial benefits."
Google opposed the extensive proposals as detrimental to consumers, the economy, and national security. Anthropic did not comment immediately.
Former President Trump initiated the crackdown on Big Tech, continuing under President Biden. Google's partial stake in Anthropic provides a competitive edge. Prosecutors acknowledged potential unintended consequences in AI by banning Google from such investments.
Google plans to appeal the ruling and offered a joint proposal with Apple to set Google as the default search engine on new devices. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta scheduled a trial for April.
The high-profile case is part of ongoing antitrust actions against major tech firms. Google argues the DOJ's strategy would impede its AI competitiveness, endangering America's global position.
Some of the measures proposed in November, like sharing search data with competitors, are still in force with adjustments. Both Democratic and Republican attorneys general and the Alphabet Workers Union-CWA support the proposal.