Perplexity calls for an end to Google’s search dominance, urges for real consumer choice
Perplexity AI has joined the antitrust spotlight, urging regulators to break Google’s grip on default search tools and give smartphone users more meaningful choices.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has called on regulators to loosen Google’s hold on the mobile search market. (Image credit: Perplexity)
In a LinkedIn post published on Tuesday, Aravind Srinivas, the co-founder and CEO of Perplexity, shared that the company has been asked to testify in the Google DOJ case and has prepared a statement outlining its stance.
In a blog post titled “Choice is the Remedy,” Perplexity AI addresses the ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google’s dominance in the smartphone search engine market, emphasising the importance of consumer choice and the need for a more open digital ecosystem. Right now, Gemini is the default assistant on Android smartphones, and Google is the default search engine on Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser across smartphones and PCs.
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Perplexity AI highlights that consumers often have limited options when it comes to default apps on their smartphones. Google’s extensive contracts with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and carriers have led to a scenario where Google’s suite of apps is pre-installed and set as defaults. Perplexity states that this not only stifles competition but also restricts consumers from exploring other options.
While Perplexity does not suggest breaking up Google, it advocates for eliminating restrictive contracts that bind OEMs and carriers to Google’s ecosystem. This would allow smartphone makers to ship their devices with a variety of apps and services.
The company doesn’t consider itself a direct competitor to Google. Instead, it sees itself as an alternative that combines web search with the power of AI and aims to promote a healthy digital ecosystem.
The AI company also discusses the effects of monopolistic practices on innovation and how they could hamper technological development. It highlights the importance of giving consumers access to a diverse set of services, which can bolster the economy while empowering users and promoting fair competition.
This development comes at a crucial time, as Perplexity is reportedly in talks with smartphone makers like Motorola and Samsung to replace Gemini with Perplexity as the default assistant on upcoming phones.
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