During testimony in Epic Games’ lawsuit against Google, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed that Google pays Apple 36% of the revenue generated by Google Search on Apple’s Safari browser. This revenue sharing agreement is a key component of the Justice Department’s antitrust case against Google.
An expert testifying on behalf of Google revealed the 36% figure earlier this week, apparently by accident. When he was questioned by Epic’s lawyer, Pichai acknowledged the accuracy of this percentage.
The lawyer also alleged that Google pays its largest Android partner, Samsung, less than half of what it pays Apple. Pichai said this was possible, although he did not know the exact figure. He explained that Apple and Samsung’s deals are “like apples and oranges” since Samsung’s payments can include carriers.
Pichai added that Google still competes “fiercely” with Apple. Google spent nearly $49 billion on traffic acquisition costs last year, including payments to Apple, Samsung and others.
Exact dollar amounts remain confidential
When asked the specific dollar amount paid to Apple, Pichai said it was over $10 billion. However, Epic’s lawyer maintained that the real figure is around $18 billion.
Both Google and Apple lawyers asked the judge to keep the exact figures confidential. However, the judge stated that this was an open courtroom in the United States and that confidential information could not be hidden.
Google faces multiple antitrust lawsuits
In addition to Epic’s lawsuit, Google faces two Department of Justice antitrust cases related to alleged anticompetitive practices. Google has been criticized for maintaining unnecessary secrecy in government lawsuits.
Epic also sued Apple on similar grounds, but lost the case in an appeals court. Alphabet continues to fight multiple major lawsuits related to allegations of abuse of monopoly power.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn