The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a significant step in its ongoing antitrust case against Google, seeking testimony from Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer of Perplexity, a prominent AI search provider. This development comes as the DOJ explores potential penalties for Google, including the possibility of breaking off its Chrome browser.

Perplexity, valued at $9 billion, is one of the emerging players in the AI-powered search landscape. Alongside other generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT Search, Perplexity's technology offers direct answers to complex queries, posing a potential threat to Google's search dominance. In response, Google has developed its own AI search tools, such as AI Overviews, which provide AI-generated answers above search results.

The DOJ's interest in Shevelenko's testimony revolves around "generative AI's relationship with Search Access Points, distribution, barriers to entry and expansion, and data sharing." The term "Search Access Points" refers to platforms like Google Chrome, where users initiate their internet searches. While the DOJ's filing does not explicitly state its motivations, it is likely that the department wants to understand how Perplexity's AI technology interacts with these access points, potentially shedding light on Google's monopoly in the search market.

Perplexity finds itself in a delicate position, as both the DOJ and Google are seeking information from the company that could support their respective cases. In October, Google subpoenaed Perplexity, along with Microsoft and OpenAI, for company documents to demonstrate the existence of viable competition in the search field. However, as of December 11, Perplexity had not provided a single document, prompting Google to express frustration over the delay.

Perplexity has responded to Google's subpoena, stating that it has agreed to fulfill 12 out of 14 document requests. However, the company is still evaluating the burden of collecting the remaining documents, which it claims is a "potentially expansive universe of documents." Perplexity has also asked Google to "meet and confer" regarding the scope of the requested documents, specifically with respect to licensing agreements related to AI training.

The DOJ's move to seek testimony from Perplexity's Chief Business Officer highlights the significance of AI-powered search in the ongoing antitrust case against Google. As the department weighs potential penalties, including the possible breakup of Google's Chrome browser, the testimony could provide valuable insights into the competitive landscape of the search market. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, shaping the future of search and AI innovation.

Neither Perplexity nor Google has commented on the development, leaving the tech community to speculate on the potential implications of this testimony. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the DOJ's approach to regulating the search market and the role that AI-powered search providers like Perplexity will play in shaping the industry's future.