Here’s what we have for you today:
• DOJ on Google
• Paddling duck
• Amazon dripping ads
Possible monopoly from Google
The start: The US government is seeking to prove that Google is illegally leveraging its power to maintain a monopoly over the internet search engine.
If so: Allegedly Google spends $10 billion a year to ensure it is the default search engine on devices such as the iPhone.
In addition: The US justice department has also alleged that Google was aware of possible antitrust violations and has consciously tried to obscure its actions.
Searching for the switch online
Another search engine: As of 2023 DuckDuckGo currently has about a 2.5% share of the market for online search in the US according to CEO Gabriel Weinberg, and conducts approximately 100 million searches a day globally.
Other choice: Gabriel mentioned about 30%-40% of DuckDuckGo’s users have a strong preference for privacy and that most of the company’s users switch over from Google.
Hard turn: Also, Gabriel stated the default settings that favor Google pose a barrier to users switching to DuckDuckGo, even if they value privacy.
Amazon adding more advertisements
To add: Starting in early 2024, Amazon’s Prime Video will include advertisements.
Another option: However, a new ad-free tier will be available to US subscribers for an additional $2.99 per month.
Where: Ads will be introduced in the US, Canada, UK, and Germany in early 2024. With France, Spain, Mexico, Italy and Australia later in the year.