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Google Exec Defends Search Quality in US Antitrust Trial

By  |  October 18, 2023

Alphabet’s Google brought its first witness to the stand for the antitrust trial looking into the company’s search engine policies, shedding light on the measures the company takes to ensure the quality of its search services, reported Reuters.

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    The trial, which has garnered significant attention, has seen the U.S. Justice Department present witnesses who outlined Google’s substantial annual payments to smartphone manufacturers and wireless companies. These payments aim to secure Google as the default search engine on various devices, thereby expanding its user base. Additionally, the trial delved into the connection between Google’s search dominance and its influence in the realm of online advertising, particularly its ability to quietly raise ad prices.

    Google, in response to these allegations, focused on the high quality of its search products and their critical role in driving customer demand, as well as justifying their prominence on phones and tablets.

    Read more: Google To Remove Canadian News Content From Search Engine

    One of Google’s key witnesses, Pandu Nayak, a Vice President for Search with a tenure dating back to 2004, took the stand to discuss the meticulous efforts Google has invested in indexing the web. This process includes the curation of relevant content and the ranking of websites to provide users with trustworthy and pertinent search results. Nayak also detailed how Google harnessed machine learning tools it developed to enhance its search capabilities.

    In a notable exchange, Judge Amit Mehta, presiding over the case, questioned Nayak on the significance of “user interaction.” Nayak acknowledged the relevance of user feedback but emphasized the pivotal role of other factors, such as the infrastructure used to monitor websites and their dynamic changes.

    As this landmark antitrust trial unfolds, the testimony of Google’s witnesses, including Nayak, provides valuable insights into the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality search services and the factors driving its dominance in the digital landscape. Judge Mehta, entrusted with the decision-making process, will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this pivotal case.

    Source: Reuters