Perplexity has joined the investigation into the antitrust measures Google faces for tying its Search business. The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit and proposed that the court order Google to separate its Chrome business.
Dmitry Shevelenko suggests supporting the idea of separating Chrome from Google, as it could impact the open-source Chromium project, where the new owner may profit. This move could negatively affect the web browser development industry. Perplexity aims to have the court prohibit Google from engaging in exclusive search agreements with smartphone manufacturers.
However, Perplexity believes that if the court mandates a true separation of the Chrome business, it can still be maintained without charging fees while preserving Chromium’s quality. OpenAI, which was previously involved in the investigation, has indicated its interest in acquiring Chrome if the separation order is issued.
Perplexity has provided information supporting the prohibition of Google entering into exclusive agreements with smartphone manufacturers. They state that the company is negotiating with several smartphone manufacturers to make Perplexity a default search service. Some manufacturers are willing to preload Perplexity, but not as the default option, as Google exerts pressure in this regard.
Source: The Verge
TLDR: Perplexity joins the investigation against Google for antitrust measures involving the Chrome business, proposing a potential separation that could impact industry dynamics and the open-source Chromium project.
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