Satya Nadella to testify at Google antitrust trial on October 2

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is scheduled to testify at the Google antitrust trial on October 2, 2023. Nadella is expected to be called as a witness by the US Department of Justice, which is alleging that Google has abused its dominance in the online search market.

The DOJ is arguing that Google has used its market power to unfairly disadvantage its competitors, including Microsoft's Bing search engine. The DOJ is also alleging that Google has paid billions of dollars to smartphone manufacturers and wireless carriers to make Google the default search engine on their devices.

Nadella's testimony is likely to focus on Microsoft's experiences competing with Google in the online search market. He is expected to argue that Google's dominance in the market has made it difficult for Microsoft to compete.

The government has argued that Google, worth more than $1 trillion with some 90% of the search market, illegally paid $10 billion annually to smartphone makers like Apple and wireless carriers like AT&T and others to be the default search engine on their devices.

Google has denied all of the DOJ's allegations. The company has argued that it is the most popular search engine because it offers the best products and services. Google has also argued that its agreements with smartphone manufacturers and wireless carriers are beneficial to consumers because they give them more choices.

Nadella was instrumental in the development of Bing, created by Microsoft in an ultimately doomed attempt to catch up with Google and capture a chunk of the online advertising market.

While Bing has gained share on desktop computers, where it was integrated with Microsoft's Internet Explorer and later Edge browser, it has lagged on mobile devices where people overwhelming use Google. Three or so years ago, Microsoft even discussed selling Bing to Apple, a transaction that would have replaced Google as the default option on the iPhone maker's devices, Bloomberg reported. But a deal never came to fruition.

The Google antitrust trial is one of the most important antitrust cases in recent years. The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on the online search market and on the way that big tech companies operate.

Nadella's testimony is likely to be one of the most closely watched parts of the trial. His testimony could provide valuable insights into the competitive dynamics of the online search market and the potential impact of Google's dominance.