Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to testify in Google antitrust trial

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, is expected to testify on Monday, October 2, as a witness for the US Justice Department in the antitrust case against Google. This information was revealed in a government filing related to the ongoing court battle with Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

During his testimony, Nadella will likely be questioned about Microsoft’s efforts to expand the usage of its browser, Edge, and search engine, Bing. The government’s questions may focus on the challenges posed by Google’s dominance in these areas. Google, on the other hand, is likely to argue that the superior quality of its products is the primary reason for its success, rather than any illegal behavior.

In addition to Nadella, several other Microsoft executives have already testified in the ongoing trial. Jonathan Tinter, a Microsoft vice president, recently gave his testimony at the Justice Department’s antitrust trial in the US District Court in Washington. Tinter stated that Bing was not the default search engine on any Android or Apple smartphones sold in the US over the past decade, despite Microsoft’s occasional offers to provide more than 100% of revenue or even greater incentives to its partners.

The case between Google and the US government revolves around the accusation made by the Department of Justice (DoJ) that Google pays $10 billion annually to wireless carriers and smartphone manufacturers in order to ensure that Google search is set as the default on their devices. The government argues that Google has exploited its search monopoly and engaged in unfair practices in the search advertising realm. Google’s dominance in search has given it a significant advantage in the lucrative advertising market, thereby boosting its profits. Apple plays a central role in this case.