The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is weighing a dramatic move to dismantle parts of Google’s business to address its alleged monopoly in online search. In a court filing on Tuesday, federal prosecutors hinted at seeking a federal judge’s order to force the tech giant to divest significant assets, including its Chrome browser, Android operating system, and other integral units.
Antitrust Concerns Heightened
In the filing, DOJ officials criticized Google’s extensive control over popular distribution channels, stating that it has stifled competition and innovation for over a decade. “For more than a decade, Google has controlled the most popular distribution channels, leaving rivals with little-to-no incentive to compete for users,” they stated. The department argues that merely ending Google’s current control is insufficient; structural changes are necessary to prevent future monopolistic practices.
The DOJ’s potential remedies could significantly impact Google’s operations, focusing on its ability to leverage products like Chrome and Android to bolster its search business. The filing also raised concerns about Google’s default search agreements, which could be limited or banned under proposed measures.
Google Responds with Caution
In a response to the filing, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, warned that the DOJ’s approach could lead to unintended consequences. “Government overreach in a fast-moving industry may have negative unintended consequences for American innovation and America’s consumers,” she stated. Mulholland criticized the government for pursuing a broad agenda that could adversely affect various industries and American competitiveness.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta previously ruled in August that Google has unlawfully exploited its dominant position to suppress competition. He has set a timeline for trial on potential remedies next spring, with a decision expected by August 2025. While Google plans to appeal Mehta’s ruling, it must first wait for the judge to finalize any remedy, which could prolong the appeals process for up to five years, according to George Hay, a law professor and former chief economist for the DOJ’s antitrust division.
As the DOJ navigates this complex legal landscape, the implications for both Google and the broader tech industry could be profound, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of online search and digital innovation.