Google set to keep Android; US cracks down on chipmaking kit

The Friday File: Mobile World Live brings you our top three picks of the week as Google avoided a forced sale of Android and Chrome, the US issued restrictions for chip manufacturers in China and OpenAI targeted India for its Stargate data centre expansion.

Google will not be forced to sell Android, Chrome

What happened: A US judge ruled that Google will not be forced to sell its Android operating system or Chrome browser, dealing a blow to the Department of Justice’s push for the tech giant to divest assets.

Why it matters: The long-awaited verdict in a landmark antitrust case determined that while Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly, forcing it to divest Chrome or Android would be an overreach.

The ruling bars Google from entering into certain exclusive search distribution contracts and mandates it share some data with competitors.

According to Bloomberg, the decision cites the rise of generative AI as a key reason for the stance as emerging tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity “may yet prove to be game changers”, concluding that market forces should be allowed to play out. However, critics argued the decision does little to challenge Google’s market position; DuckDuckGo posted comments on social media by CEO Gabriel Weinberg, stating the remedies would not “force the changes necessary to adequately address Google’s illegal behaviour”, adding “consumers will continue to suffer”.

US mulls curbs on Intel, SK Hynix, Samsung making chips in China

What happened: The US government tightened control over chip exports to China, revoking authorisations to receive manufacturing equipment in the country for major semiconductor companies including Intel, SK Hynix, Samsung and TSMC.

Why it matters: According to Reuters, companies impacted will need to apply for new licences to buy chipmaking equipment for their Chinese facilities. As a result, US equipment suppliers including KLA Corp, Lam Research and Applied Materials may see reduced sales, while China-based equipment manufacturers could benefit by plugging the gap, the news agency noted.

Brady Wang, associate director at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC the policy changes “reflect Washington’s broader push to tighten control over semiconductor equipment and technology exports to China, strengthening US power over chip production in China”. Later in the week, President Donald Trump renewed pressure on chipmakers to relocate production to the US, warning companies to build locally or face steep import tariffs, adding further uncertainty to global supply chains.

OpenAI eyes India for Stargate data centre buildout

What happened: OpenAI is reportedly planning to establish a data centre in India with a minimum capacity of 1 gigawatt as part of its global Stargate AI infrastructure programme, signalling a deeper push into one of its fastest-growing markets.

Why it matters: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed earlier this year India has emerged as the company’s second largest market by users, Reuters reported. Its latest move reflects the country’s growing strategic importance for the AI player.

The ChatGPT-maker recently pledged support to the Indian government’s $1.2 billion IndiaAI Mission, designed to advance domestic AI capabilities through enhanced computing infrastructure and language model development. To further penetrate the market, the company has also launched a $5-per-month ChatGPT subscription to attract Indian users and announced plans to open its first office in the country in New Delhi.

“The impact is going to be real. Faster access to models, lower latency for Indian users and cheaper compute for startups who are building here,” noted Tanish Sharma, co-founder and CTO of fintech company BillCut.