The DOJ's proposal could mean Google would have to sell off its investment in AI firm Anthropic, which could be valued at up to $40 billion. The filing also proposes that Google gives all publishers and content creators a way to opt out of having their content be used to train Google’s AI models. The DOJ case went to trial last year, focusing on Google's search engine and its digital advertising business. A second trial to determine potential remedies is set to begin in April.
Key takeaways:
- The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed remedies in Google’s antitrust case, including forcing Google to sell off its Chrome browser and banning certain distribution contracts.
- The proposals also include measures that could impact Google's future in AI, such as selling stakes in AI companies with technology that could compete in search and barring new acquisitions or partnerships with such companies.
- These proposals could force Google to sell its investment in Anthropic, a firm valued at up to $40 billion, founded by OpenAI defectors in 2021.
- The DOJ also proposes that Google should give publishers and content creators a way to opt out of having their content used to train Google’s AI models, and should not retaliate against those who choose to do so.