US Govt proposes breaking Google into smaller units to stop search engines monopoly

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) under the US Government has proposed  breaking Google into smaller units to stop search engine monopoly.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the DOJ on Wednesday, filed court papers, calling for Google to sell its Chrome web browser.

Government lawyers have also requested that District Judge Amit Mehta restrict Google’s ability to form exclusive partnerships with device manufacturers and browser developers, including Apple and Samsung that make many smartphones and browsers have Google Search as their default search engine.

According to the report, the proposed solutions follow a groundbreaking antitrust decision in August, where Judge Mehta ruled that the search engin unlawfully stifled competition in online search.

The US DOJ, supported by multiple states, filed a brief arguing that the changes will promote market competition and end Google’s dominance.

“To revive competition in general search and search text advertising, it’s essential to revitalize the competitive dynamics Google has suppressed for years,” government lawyers argued.

Google’s response

Google responded, criticizing the DOJ’s plans as an “aggressive and misguided intervention” that threatens American interests and global tech leadership.

Google’s president of global affairs, Kent Walker, criticized the DOJ’s proposal as “grossly excessive” and beyond the scope of the court’s decision.

“Implementing this proposal would disrupt various beloved Google products, extending far beyond search, that people rely on daily.”

As reported, Google is set to present its counter proposals by the December 20 deadline.

Judge Mehta is scheduled to deliver his judgment by summer 2025.

According to Statcounter’s analysis, Google accounts for nearly 90% of all online searches conducted worldwide.

Also, government attorneys alleged Google exploits its ownership of Chrome and Android to channel users to its search engine.

Under the proposal submitted, Chrome would be prohibited from re-entering the browser market for a period of five years.

The DOJ also suggested placing Android under court supervision to prevent Google from abusing its ecosystem to promote its search engine and search advertising monopolies.

Trump’s return

The DOJ’s lawsuit against Google commenced in the fall of 2020, as Trump’s first term drew to a close.

As the President-elect prepares to take office on January 20, many wonder if the new administration will shift gears in its handling of the Google antitrust lawsuit.

An antitrust professor at Vanderbilt Law School, Rebecca Allensworth, stated “given that the Trump administration filed the lawsuit, it would be surprising if they reversed course now.”

“If Trump attempts to stop the case, the states involved could continue pursuing the lawsuit on their own.”

“The case will likely continue, but the extent of the federal government’s pursuit and its goals are uncertain.”

Professor Laura Phillips-Sawyer of the University of Georgia School of Law stated that “the proposed changes can significantly promote competition in the online search market.”

“The user data Google obtained through its search market dominance was utilized to enhance its search algorithm and optimize text ad sales.”

“These contracts not only lock out competitors but also choke innovation by denying newcomers distribution channels, making investment in search engine development unviable,” Phillips-Sawyer stated.

“The government’s proposals, if accepted by Judge Mehta, may create opportunities for competitors to challenge Google’s dominance.”

Know more about Google

Google was founded on September 4, 1998, by Larry Page and Sergey. Its headquarters is located in Mountain View, California.

Google’s parent organization is Alphabet Inc. and its revenue reached $182.53 billion in 2022. Google employs over 150,000 people worldwide.

Products and Services of Google

Google offers a range of products and services, including Google Search, Google Ads, Google Maps, YouTube, Gmail, Drive, Docs,  Sheets, Slides, Photos, Chrome, Android, Play Store, Cloud Platform, Analytics, and Trends.

Innovations and Initiatives of Google

The Alphabet Inc. invests heavily in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) research and develops Quantum Computing technology.

It embarked on a self-driving car project, Waymo, that aims to revolutionize transportation and Google’s life sciences division, Verily, which focuses on healthcare innovation.

Acquisitions

The company acquired YouTube in 2006, Android in 2005, Waze in 2013, Nest in 2014 DeepMind in 2014, and Fitbit and Looker in 2019.

Controversies and Criticisms

The company faces antitrust lawsuits globally. Its data collection and monetization practices raise privacy concerns.

Also, it faces criticism for censorship and content moderation policies and has been accused of tax evasion.

Impact and Influence

It has revolutionized search and advertising, dominated digital advertising, led AI and ML research, transformed industries like healthcare, finance, and education, and empowered entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Key Partnerships and Collaborations

The company partners with Android manufacturers like Samsung, collaborates with cloud providers like Amazon and Microsoft, partners with YouTube content creators, and supports developers and startups.

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