Waiting for dawn in search: Search index, Google rulings and impact on Kagi (blog.kagi.com)

Recent developments in the ongoing legal battle against Google have significant implications for the AI/ML community, particularly following a U.S. court's ruling that found Google to be a monopolist in general search services. This ruling is pivotal as it emphasizes the need for open access to search index data, which is critical for the development of AI models. Currently, Google dominates the search market, controlling about 90% of global searches, effectively limiting competition and stifling innovation in both search technology and AI applications. The court ordered Google to provide access to its search index and associated data, marking a potential shift toward a more competitive landscape for AI-driven information retrieval. For companies like Kagi, a search engine focused on an ad-free experience, the ruling presents a chance to innovate without being hampered by Google’s exclusive contracts or ad-centric models. Kagi has long advocated for Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) terms in accessing search data, which the ruling could facilitate. By potentially dismantling Google's tight grip on search infrastructure, the ruling not only promotes healthy market competition but also aligns with broader societal goals of equitable information access. The future could see a layered ecosystem of search services, ranging from public, ad-free options to subscription models, ultimately enhancing user choice and the quality of information available, which is crucial for informed decision-making across various aspects of life.