This is the Google on Trial Update and the Top Stories and Major Headlines for October 05, 2023.
Google Trial Enters Fourth Week
The antitrust trial against Google is now in its fourth week, with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) presenting its case against the tech giant. The DOJ alleges that Google has abused its dominance in the online search and advertising markets to stifle competition and harm consumers.

Several Google executives have testified at the trial, including CEO Sundar Pichai. Pichai defended Google's business practices, arguing that they are pro-competitive and benefit consumers.

DOJ witnesses have alleged that Google colluded with rivals to stifle competition in the online advertising market. For example, former Google employee Amit Singhal testified that Google made a deal with Yahoo to ensure that Yahoo would use Google's search engine.

The DOJ has also accused Google of favoring its own products and services in its search results. For example, the DOJ alleges that Google gives its own shopping service, Google Shopping, preferential treatment in its search results.

Google has denied all of the allegations against it, arguing that it competes fairly and that its business practices are in the best interests of consumers.

Google Witness Contradicts CEO Pichai's Testimony
On Wednesday, October 4, a former Google employee testified that Google had engaged in anti-competitive practices in the online advertising market. This testimony contradicts CEO Sundar Pichai's testimony earlier in the trial, in which he denied that Google had engaged in any anti-competitive behavior.

On Thursday, October 5, the DOJ presented evidence that Google had colluded with rivals to stifle competition in the online advertising market. This evidence includes emails and internal documents that show Google executives discussing the deals with their rivals.

On Thursday, October 5, the DOJ also accused Google of using "dark patterns" to mislead users into clicking on ads. Dark patterns are design tricks that are used to manipulate users into taking actions that they may not want to take.
What's Next?
The Google trial is expected to last for several more weeks. The DOJ is scheduled to call more witnesses in the coming days, and Google is expected to present its defense after the DOJ has finished presenting its case.
The outcome of the trial could have a significant impact on Google and the online technology industry as a whole. If the DOJ is successful in its lawsuit, it could force Google to make significant changes to its business practices.