## Google Admits ‘Open Web’ is in ‘Rapid Decline’ During Antitrust Trial
Google is presenting a starkly different picture of the online publishing landscape in court than it publicly portrays, according to documents filed in an antitrust case concerning its advertising technologies.While publicly stating the web is “blossoming” and AI-driven search is increasing traffic, Google told a U.S. court that the “Open Web is in a rapid decline.”
The case centers around accusations that Google stifles competition with its ad practices. GoogleS defense argues that disrupting its advertising services woudl further destabilize an already “super fragile” market for online publishers, accelerating its decline.This admission contrasts sharply with google’s public messaging, and aligns with reports from numerous website operators experiencing important traffic drops following recent algorithm updates and the introduction of AI-generated answers directly within search results. The Verge reported on this discrepancy, citing a leaked Google memorandum submitted as evidence in the case.
Google’s internal assessment suggests it views itself as a crucial support for the struggling web, but acknowledges its own actions are contributing to the crisis. The company’s statements in court reveal a reality many web publishers have long suspected: Google controls a vital flow of traffic and is increasingly restricting it.
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