U.S. DOJ's Proposed Remedies Against Google
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed major changes to Google’s business practices to increase competition in the online search market, following a ruling that Google has illegal monopoly power.
The DOJ suggests:
Google divest its Chrome browser and Android operating system,
prohibit it from re-entering the browser market for five years,
stop paying companies (like Apple) to make Google the default search engine.
Google would also be required to allow publishers to block their data from being used to train AI models and make its search index accessible to competitors.
Google’s Response
Google has strongly criticized the DOJ's proposal, calling it an “overbroad radical intervention” that could break essential Google products, harm security, compromise user privacy, and hurt American consumers and small businesses.
Google argues that the plan risks compromising the security and privacy of millions of users and could hinder innovations in AI development
Impact on Chrome Users
One of the DOJ’s goals is to prevent Google from pre-installing its browser and search engine as the default on devices, like Android phones, forcing users to choose alternatives.
The DOJ’s remedy includes introducing a “choice screen” on devices like Pixel phones, allowing users to select a default search engine without Google being pre-selected.
Google has rejected this as a disruptive and unnecessary change.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The proposed remedies will be evaluated by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in April 2025.
Google will also submit its own proposed solutions to the court.
A final version of the DOJ’s proposal will be filed in March 2025.
The ongoing case could be influenced by political changes, especially with a potential shift in U.S. presidential leadership.
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