by The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended a series of significant measures to resolve the ongoing search monopoly case against Google, including the potential sale of the Chrome browser. These proposals aim to curb Google’s dominant position in search, advertising, and AI while promoting competition in the technology sector.
According to reports from 9to5Google, the DOJ suggests that Chrome be sold to a court-approved buyer, with all terms overseen by plaintiffs and the court. Until the sale is finalized or the court permits otherwise, Google would be prohibited from launching additional browsers. This action is intended to prevent Google from maintaining an unfair advantage in the browser market, which has long served as a critical pathway for the company’s search engine dominance.
Restrictions on Preferential Treatment and Android
The DOJ’s recommendations also focus on Google’s handling of Android and first-party apps and data. The government argues that Google should not provide itself preferential access to Android or its pre-installed applications, relative to third-party search engines and AI products. However, the DOJ has stopped short of requiring a full Android spin-off at this stage.
While the company is not yet mandated to sell Android, the DOJ indicates that Google may have to divest the platform if it cannot comply with the proposed regulations regarding search, advertising, and AI technologies like Gemini. This provision aims to ensure a level playing field for competitors on mobile devices while safeguarding user choice and innovation in the smartphone ecosystem.
Limiting Payments to Apple and Other Companies
Another key suggestion involves curbing Google’s practice of paying companies like Apple to maintain its search engine as the default. In 2022 alone, Google reportedly paid Apple over $20 billion to remain the default search engine on Safari. The DOJ argues that such payments discourage companies from developing their own search engines or advertising platforms, effectively stifling competition.
Under the proposed guidelines, Google would be restricted from offering financial incentives that create barriers for competitors, ensuring fair market access and preventing anti-competitive arrangements. This recommendation targets one of the most lucrative methods Google has used to maintain its search monopoly.
Opening Search and Ad Data to Competitors
The DOJ is also advocating for greater transparency and accessibility of Google’s search and ad data. Competitors would be granted access to this information for ten years, while content creators would retain the right to opt out if they do not want their materials used for AI training or indexed for search.
This provision seeks to foster innovation and competition by enabling smaller players to enter the market with better resources while protecting content creators’ rights. It addresses concerns that Google’s exclusive control over data gives it an insurmountable advantage in both search and AI development.
Google’s Response to DOJ Measures
Google has publicly criticized the DOJ’s proposals, describing them as “staggering” and “wildly overboard.” The company warns that forcing data-sharing with multiple domestic and international entities could compromise product quality and security. Google also expressed concerns about potential government micromanagement, arguing that its current payments help maintain the financial viability of smaller tech companies, such as Mozilla, the organization behind Firefox.
The company maintains that implementing these remedies could hinder innovation, disrupt existing partnerships, and pose risks to user privacy, highlighting the high stakes involved in the case.
Timeline and Next Steps
While the DOJ’s recommendations provide a roadmap, the final outcome remains months away. Google is expected to submit its own proposals in December. The court will review additional filings from the DOJ in March 2025, with a hearing scheduled for April. The judge’s ultimate ruling is not expected until September 2025, meaning several months of negotiations and legal scrutiny remain.
This antitrust case has far-reaching implications for the tech industry, as it could redefine market rules for search engines, mobile operating systems, browsers, and AI technologies. Observers are closely monitoring the proceedings, as the final ruling may set precedents for how dominant tech companies are regulated in the United States.
Bottom Line
The DOJ’s proposals, including a potential Chrome sale, limits on Apple payments, and expanded data access for competitors, represent a bold effort to curb Google’s dominance in search and AI. While Google disputes the necessity of these measures, the case underscores growing scrutiny of tech monopolies and the importance of fair competition in digital markets.
As the process unfolds, both Google and the tech industry at large will need to adapt to new regulatory expectations, balancing innovation with legal compliance and consumer protection. The outcome of this case could reshape the digital landscape for years to come.
