TLDR:
- Google faces potential remedies after being found to have an illegal monopoly in search
- DOJ expected to submit document outlining possible remedies on Tuesday
- Potential remedies range from breakup to data sharing to ending default agreements
- Judge Amit Mehta will decide on remedies, likely starting in 2025
- Google has promised to appeal the ruling
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to submit a document on Tuesday outlining potential remedies in its antitrust case against Google.
This follows a ruling in August by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that Google held an illegal monopoly in general search services and general text advertising.
The case, which began in 2020, accused Google of anticompetitive practices to maintain its dominance in the search market. Judge Mehta’s ruling found that Google’s agreements to be the default search engine on browsers and mobile devices, as well as its integration of search into its Android operating system, were unlawful.
Now, the focus shifts to what actions should be taken to address Google’s monopoly power. The DOJ’s proposal will likely include a range of potential remedies for the court to consider. These could include structural changes to Google’s business, modifications to its practices, or a combination of both.
One possible remedy is breaking up parts of Google’s business. This could involve separating the Android operating system or the Chrome browser from the core search business.
Such a move would be a dramatic step, potentially reshaping the tech landscape. However, some experts believe a full breakup is unlikely due to the complexity and potential disruption to users.
Another option is requiring Google to share its search data with competitors. This could include valuable “click and query” data that Google uses to refine its search algorithms.
Sharing this information could help rival search engines improve their services and compete more effectively.
The DOJ may also propose ending Google’s agreements that make it the default search engine on various devices and browsers.
Google pays billions of dollars annually for these default placements, which critics argue unfairly cements its market position.
Eliminating these deals could open up opportunities for competitors like Microsoft’s Bing or privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo.
Less drastic measures could include requiring Google to offer users a choice of search engines when setting up devices or using its Chrome browser for the first time. This approach has been implemented in Europe following antitrust action there.
The court will also need to consider how any remedies might affect the emerging market for AI-assisted search. There are concerns that Google’s current dominance could give it an unfair advantage in this new arena.
Google has already announced its intention to appeal the ruling. This process could delay the implementation of any remedies, as Judge Mehta may wait for the appeal to be resolved before ordering changes to Google’s business practices.
The tech giant argues that its success is due to the quality of its product rather than anticompetitive behavior.
Google has long maintained that users choose its search engine because it provides the best results, not because they lack alternatives.
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