The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering asking Alphabet's Google to divest parts of its business in response to a federal judge's ruling that Google has maintained an illegal monopoly over internet searches. The proposed remedies could potentially impact how Americans access information online and provide an opportunity for Google's competitors to grow.
The DOJ may request that Google divest its Chrome browser and Android operating system, as well as stop payments to have its search engine pre-installed or set as the default on new devices. Additionally, the DOJ may seek to prevent Google from dominating the field of artificial intelligence by limiting agreements that restrict access to content for AI rivals.
Google has criticized the DOJ's proposal, arguing that it could have unintended consequences for consumers, businesses, and American competitiveness. The company raised concerns about potential privacy and security risks associated with sharing search data with competitors, as well as the impact of splitting off Chrome and Android from Google.
Google also defended its distribution contracts to promote Google Search, stating that unreasonable restrictions could create friction for consumers and reduce revenue for companies like Mozilla and Android smartphone makers. The tech giant expressed concerns about potential restrictions on its AI development, emphasizing the importance of competition in a rapidly evolving industry.
The DOJ is expected to file a more detailed proposal with the court by Nov. 20, after which Google will have an opportunity to propose its own remedies by Dec. 20. The outcome of this antitrust case could have significant implications for the tech industry and beyond.