Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the company’s ongoing antitrust battles could take many years to resolve, suggesting they don't pose an immediate threat to Google’s operations. He stated, “It’s going to take time for it to play out. Where we think it really harms our ability to innovate on behalf of our users, we are going to be vigorous in defending ourselves.”
Google is currently facing two separate antitrust trials brought by the US Justice Department. The trials allege that Google illegally dominates the digital advertising market and online search. While the ads trial has already begun in court this month, Google recently lost a ruling in the search case. Pichai said, “We definitely disagree with the ruling, but it’s still in the middle of the remedies phase. And you know, we will appeal and this process will likely take many years.”
To illustrate the lengthy nature of such appeals, Pichai referred to Google’s recent victory against a €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) antitrust fine in the European Union General Court, which was resolved over four years after the fine was imposed.
In addition to addressing antitrust issues, Pichai announced a new $120 million ‘Global AI Opportunity Fund.’ The fund aims to expand AI education and training worldwide, with a focus on local languages and partnerships with nonprofits and NGOs.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Pichai shared his experience growing up in Chennai, India, where access to technology was limited. He said, “Growing up in Chennai, India, with my family, the arrival of each new technology improved our lives in meaningful ways. I didn’t have much access to one growing up. When I came to graduate school in the US, there were labs full of machines I could use anytime I wanted – it was mind-blowing.”
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