In a landmark antitrust case, US regulators are urging a federal judge to dismantle Google’s dominant position in the tech world by breaking up its assets. This bold move comes after a court ruling determined that Google has maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade, primarily through its search engine and associated products.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) submitted a 23-page proposal late Wednesday, outlining sweeping measures to curb Google’s power. These include the sale of its widely-used Chrome browser and the implementation of restrictions to prevent its Android operating system from favoring Google’s own search engine.
According to DOJ lawyers, divesting Chrome would end Google’s stranglehold over a critical access point to the internet. “A sale of Chrome will permanently stop Google’s control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that, for many users, is a gateway to the internet,” the filing stated.
While regulators stopped short of demanding a sale of Android, they proposed stringent oversight. If evidence of further misconduct emerges, Google could still be compelled to divest its smartphone operating system.
The case follows an August ruling by US District Judge Amit Mehta that labeled Google a monopolist. The DOJ’s recommendations reflect the Biden administration’s aggressive stance on regulating Big Tech, but with President-elect Donald Trump taking office next year, the approach to Google’s penalties could shift.
Court hearings on the proposed punishments are scheduled to begin in April, with Judge Mehta aiming to issue a final decision before Labor Day. If the recommendations are upheld, Google would be required to sell Chrome within six months of the ruling. However, the company is expected to appeal, prolonging a legal battle that has already spanned over four years.
Another significant recommendation is banning Google from striking multibillion-dollar agreements to secure its search engine as the default option across devices and platforms. This measure aims to open the door for competitors in a market long dominated by Google’s influence.
The outcome of this case could mark a turning point for the tech industry, setting a precedent for how monopolistic practices are addressed in the digital era. Stay tuned for updates as the legal proceedings unfold in the coming months.
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