In a dramatic move to curb Google’s dominance in the tech world, U.S. regulators are pushing for a legal breakup of the company, calling for the sale of its industry-leading Chrome web browser and imposing severe restrictions on its practices. The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a 23-page document late Wednesday outlining the government’s proposed punishment for Google, following a court ruling in August that found the tech giant guilty of maintaining an abusive monopoly over its search engine. The government is now looking for sweeping measures to force the company to reduce its control over the digital space and ensure a level playing field for competitors.
The proposal marks the latest development in an ongoing legal battle that has seen Google face increasing scrutiny over its market practices. In the filing, DOJ lawyers argue that Google’s control over Chrome, the dominant web browser with over 60% market share, has been a key factor in the company’s ability to stifle competition in the search engine market. They contend that selling Chrome would sever Google’s direct influence over how millions of users access the internet, thereby giving rival search engines the opportunity to gain a foothold in the browser space. The government insists that this move would help restore fairness by providing users with more choices when it comes to searching the web.
The DOJ has not stopped at Chrome. The proposed remedies also include a move to restrain Google’s Android operating system, though the government has not yet called for the outright sale of Android. Regulators want a clear directive that the company could face further divestiture of its mobile OS if continued misconduct is identified. Android, which powers more than 70% of the world’s smartphones, has long been a significant part of Google’s strategy to maintain dominance in search. The DOJ’s request to limit Android’s influence highlights the broader concern about Google’s control over both the devices people use and the search tools they rely on.
The proposal also targets Google’s lucrative deals with Apple and other device manufacturers, which have secured Google’s search engine as the default option on a variety of devices, including iPhones. The DOJ is asking the court to impose a ban on such agreements, which have further entrenched Google’s dominance in the search space. The Justice Department claims that these deals have prevented rival search engines from gaining a significant share of the market, thus perpetuating the monopoly.
Additionally, the DOJ is looking to prevent Google from favoring its own services in search results, particularly in areas such as video content on YouTube and the company’s new artificial intelligence platform, Gemini. Regulators argue that Google’s algorithmic manipulation, which prioritizes its own products, has undermined fair competition and harmed consumers by limiting access to a broader range of online services.
The legal fight over Google’s monopoly status has been ongoing for years, but the stakes have never been higher. Following the August ruling by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, which labeled Google a monopolist, the government has ramped up efforts to dismantle the company’s unchecked power. Mehta is scheduled to begin hearings in April, with a final ruling expected by Labor Day 2024. However, any decision made in favor of the DOJ’s recommendations will likely face an appeal from Google, extending the battle further.
The breakup proposal highlights a shift in how the Biden administration is tackling the growing power of tech giants, with Google facing mounting pressure to change its practices. While regulators have stopped short of demanding the sale of Android, the far-reaching nature of the proposed penalties reflects the government’s commitment to addressing what it sees as anti-competitive behavior by one of the world’s most influential companies.
As the case continues to unfold, the tech world is watching closely. A breakup of Google would be a landmark decision with profound implications for the future of the tech industry, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and altering the way consumers access information on the internet.
