WASHINGTON: In a recent revelation, Google paid an estimated $26.3 billion to various firms in 2021 to maintain its search engine as the default option on mobile phones and web browsers, as disclosed by a senior company official during the Justice Department’s antitrust trial, according to Western media reports.
These payments for securing the default status have witnessed a remarkable increase, more than tripling since 2014. While Google’s earnings from search advertising reached $146.4 billion in 2021, the costs associated with maintaining this default setting were substantial.
Google has not issued an official statement regarding this matter. However, the company has argued that the income-sharing agreements are in compliance with the law, emphasizing its investments in ensuring the competitiveness of its search and advertising businesses. Furthermore, Google maintains that consumers have the option to switch to another search provider if they are dissatisfied with the default settings.