The role of data is a central issue in the Justice Department's case against Google. The government claims that Google used exclusive contracts with smartphone producers and browser-makers to funnel more data to itself, cutting off competitors. The government argues that data drives Google's success and creates an insurmountable barrier for rivals. Google, on the other hand, claims that its leading position in search is due to technical innovation and that the government is overstating the importance of data. The trial is ongoing, and a ruling is expected next year.