To avoid monopoly practices in the search engine market, the U.S. Justice Department suggests that Google sell the Chrome browser and take other steps.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended that Google sell its Chrome browser in an effort to ease antitrust concerns and lessen the company’s hegemony over the search engine sector. A few weeks after a court decision found that Google engaged in monopolistic tactics in online search, the proposal was made.
The DOJ’s proposal sets forth several key measures:
Chrome Browser Divestiture: Proposal for Google to divest its Chrome browser so as to minimize the control of the internet’s access points and spur competition among search engines.
Restrictions on Android Operating System: Imposition of restrictions that would limit Google’s ability to favor its own search engine in the Android ecosystem to encourage a better balance of playing fields for competitors.
Ban on Default Search Engine Agreements: Prohibition on agreements that make Google as the default search engine on devices, like Apple’s iPhone, to prevent exclusionary practices.
Data Licensing Requirements: Licensing by Google to share its search data with rival companies so that they could better their own search services and compete better.
These recommendations aim to dismantle Google’s extensive control over the search market and encourage a more competitive environment. The DOJ’s actions are part of a broader effort to address monopolistic behaviors in the tech industry.
Google has criticized the proposed actions, arguing that these would affect consumers and technological innovation negatively. The company is ready to appeal the final orders requiring the sale of its Chrome browser or imposing major changes in the operations.
The outcome of this legal process has the potential to be a landmark for the tech industry because it may set the precedent for how antitrust laws are applied to major technology companies going forward.
