The U.S. Justice Department and a group of states have proposed major changes to Alphabet Inc.’s Google, including a forced sale of the company’s Chrome web browser, after a landmark ruling that the tech giant illegally monopolized online search.
Background on the Ruling
In August, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google broke antitrust laws in both online search and search text ads markets. The ruling was a significant blow to Google, which has been accused of using its dominance in search to stifle competition and limit consumer choice.
The Proposal
The Justice Department’s proposal would prohibit Google from entering into exclusive deals with device manufacturers and browser providers, where it pays to ensure its search engine is the pre-installed default on devices or browsers. Instead, Google would be required to offer smartphone makers and wireless carriers the option to display a choice screen to users.
Additional Provisions
The proposal also includes several additional provisions aimed at curbing Google’s dominance:
- Licensing requirements: Google would be required to license both its underlying "click and query" data as well as its search results to potential rivals, to help them improve their products.
- Content inclusion: Google must include all content from its own properties, such as YouTube, that it includes in its own search offering.
- AI limits: The Justice Department proposed some limits on Google related to AI, saying the burgeoning field provides "the most likely long-term path for a new generation of search competitors."
- Divestiture option: The DOJ is reserving the option to force a divestiture of Android later, if Google does not comply with the rest of the ruling.
Google’s Response
Google has yet to comment on the proposal. However, it is likely that the company will push back against some or all of the proposed provisions.
Next Steps
The Justice Department and states will now have a chance to submit their own views on the proposal next month, with the Justice Department offering additional perspective in March ahead of a planned two-week hearing in April.
Impact on Tech Industry
A break-up of Google could have significant implications for the tech industry as a whole. Some potential consequences include:
- Increased competition: A forced sale of Chrome and Android could lead to increased competition in the search market, potentially benefiting consumers.
- Changes to business models: The proposed restrictions on exclusive deals could force companies like Google to rethink their business models and find new ways to innovate and compete.
Conclusion
The U.S. Justice Department’s proposal to require Google to sell its Chrome web browser is a significant step towards addressing the tech giant’s alleged monopolistic behavior. While it remains to be seen whether the proposal will be implemented, it is clear that the ruling has sparked a major debate about the role of technology companies in our economy.
Sources
- "U.S. Justice Department Seeks Google Chrome Sale to Curb Monopoly" The New York Times
- "Google Ruling Could Lead to Break-Up of Tech Giant" Bloomberg
About the Author
This article was written by [Author’s Name], a journalist with expertise in technology and business.
