In the groundbreaking antitrust case initiated by the US government against Google in 2020, significant developments have emerged. Federal Judge Amit Mehta ruled in August that Google has maintained illegal monopolies in search and text advertising. Now, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has started proposing solutions to curb Google’s dominance and restore competition in the search engine market. Among these proposals, the potential breakup of Google stands out.
The Breakup Option Is on the Table
The DOJ’s 32-page report includes a mix of behavioral and structural remedies. These proposed changes have the potential to fundamentally alter how Americans access information online. The aim is to reduce Google’s revenues while offering growth opportunities to its competitors. Potential solutions include forcing the separation of Google’s key business units like Chrome, Android, or Google Play into independent entities.
Additionally, the DOJ is considering opening access to Google’s search indexes, data, and AI-based search features for its rivals. This approach is intended to prevent Google’s dominance from extending further into the AI space. Moreover, the DOJ might request the court to end Google’s hefty payments to keep its search engine as the default option on new devices. In 2021, Google paid a total of $26.3 billion to Apple and other device manufacturers to maintain its default status.
Google Pushes Back
Google has labeled these proposed regulations as “radical,” arguing that they go beyond the legal issues at hand. The company asserts that its current market position is due to the quality of its services. It also highlights that the availability of Chrome and Android as free products has enabled billions of people to access the internet easily. Google further contends that no other company has the capacity or incentive to maintain these services as open-source or to invest at Google’s level.
Awaiting the Final Decision
For now, these proposals remain in a preliminary stage. The DOJ is expected to submit a more detailed plan to the court by November 20. Meanwhile, Google will have the opportunity to present its own solutions by December 20. The outcome of this legal battle could shape not only Google’s future but also the broader landscape of the US technology market.