Google ordered to help rivals like Microsoft improve Bing by sharing search data and letting Android phone makers preload apps like Edge and Copilot

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A U.S. court decision states that Google is not required to sell its Chrome web browser or Android operating system, but must share certain search-related information with competitors like Microsoft and Yahoo to promote fairness in the online search market. Furthermore, the Department of Justice has determined that manufacturers of Android phones are allowed to collaborate with rivals regarding the pre-installation of alternate browsers and AI assistants.

This victory significantly boosts Microsoft, as their products in areas like search and mobile browsing typically serve only a small portion of the market. If this court ruling is implemented, Microsoft stands to gain access to Google’s search data, which could enhance the quality of Bing’s search results – an aspect that users frequently criticize for being subpar in Bing.

As a result of Google no longer being able to establish exclusive preload agreements with phone manufacturers, other companies such as Microsoft now have an opportunity to negotiate with brands like Samsung and Oppo to preinstall their web browser and AI assistant, alongside Google’s offerings. However, it will be up to these smartphone manufacturers themselves to decide if they wish to enter into agreements with third-party app providers.

Google has issued a statement on the ruling:

The court’s ruling sets boundaries for distributing Google services and mandates sharing of search data with competitors. We are worried about the potential effects on our users’ privacy due to this requirement and are carefully examining the decision.

As an analyst, I can say this decision appears to offer Microsoft and other players in the browser and AI assistant market a more level playing field when vying for Android and search engine dominance. Previously, phone manufacturers were often restricted from making agreements like pre-installing OpenAI’s app due to Google’s Play Services conditions. However, with this new ruling, manufacturers now have the opportunity to negotiate such deals, potentially enhancing competition and diversity in these markets.

It’s worth noting that the Department of Justice states that Google can still engage in search agreements with its preferred partners. Notably, Google shells out billions annually to Apple for designating Google as the default search engine on iPhones. This business arrangement will reportedly remain unchanged, according to the court’s decision.

Google gets to keep Android and Chrome

Initially, there was speculation that the Department of Justice (DoJ) might require Google to split and sell its Chrome browser and Android operating system to an external buyer. However, in a significant turn of events, a U.S. judge’s recent ruling means Google will not have to part with these crucial components of their business. Notably, the AI company Perplexity had offered $34.5 billion to purchase Chrome under the hypothetical scenario where such a sale was necessary.

In August 2024, a court decision determined that Google’s dominance in search and advertising was unlawful, paving the way for today’s news which aims to make it easier for competitors to challenge Google. Despite the possibility of Google losing its Chrome and Android platforms altogether, the company managed to avoid severe penalties in this antitrust case.

Here is a basic rundown of the ruling and how it applies to Google:

  • Google cannot make exclusive deals with Android makers to set Google’s products such as Gemini and Chrome as the default.
  • It cannot use the Play Store or Chrome browser as leverage to force Android phone makers to include other Google apps on devices.
  • It is not allowed to prevent Android phone makers and app developers from offering competing services on devices.
  • It will have to share search index and user interaction data with competitors.
  • Google can still make deals to preload its own apps on devices, it just cannot prohibit non-Google apps from also being preloaded.

Indeed, whether these alterations will truly affect the broader search and web browser market remains uncertain. However, since Android device manufacturers can now incorporate apps that challenge Google, there’s a good chance the market may shift towards a different trajectory.

This decision may positively impact not only Microsoft but also other search platforms like Yahoo and DuckDuckGo. Similarly, developers of Android applications, especially those creating competing apps such as web browsers or AI assistants, could also experience benefits from this ruling.

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2025-09-03 16:11