A Bid to Curb Tech Monopoly
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally requested the separation of Chrome from Google, aiming to restore competition in the online search market. This move is part of a broader lawsuit against the company, accused of maintaining an illegal monopoly in web search and text advertising.
The proposal, filed with the District Court in Washington, D.C., also includes the potential separation of Android—an option that could be implemented if other measures fail to foster a more competitive market.
DOJ’s Proposed Measures
Among the DOJ’s suggested remedies are:
- Prohibiting payments or incentives to device manufacturers to set Google as the default search engine.
- Requiring access to Google’s search index at marginal costs.
- Mandating a 10-year sharing of ranking signals and U.S.-originated query data.
A judge will decide how to enforce these measures in a hearing scheduled for April.
Could Android Be Split?
Android, Google’s mobile operating system, could also be separated from the company if current proposals prove ineffective. Google might voluntarily opt for this separation to avoid additional restrictions, such as limits on promoting Google Search within Android.
Google’s Response
Google has called the DOJ’s demands “excessive.” Kent Walker, Alphabet’s Chief Legal Officer, argued that these measures could undermine America’s global tech leadership. However, with a new U.S. administration overseeing the DOJ, the case’s future remains uncertain, keeping the pressure on Google.