DOJ Considers Breaking Up Google as Google Labels Proposed Android/Chrome Spinoff as ‘Innovative

The Google logo stands proudly in ⁢front of the company’s‍ headquarters in Mountain View, California.⁣ The U.S. Department of Justice‌ has put forth a series of antitrust recommendations for Google, proposing that the⁢ company divest its Chrome browser and ⁣Android operating system. However, Google has strongly opposed these suggestions ‌as being ⁣too extreme.

In a 32-page document submitted to court, the DOJ ⁤outlined potential remedies for the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Google. These remedies aim to limit or end Google’s use of contracts and other tools ‍to control distribution channels ⁣and search-related products.

The DOJ is considering various options such as limiting default ⁢agreements and revenue-sharing arrangements related to ⁣search products. They are ⁣also evaluating behavioral and structural remedies that would prevent‍ Google from favoring⁣ its own ⁣products ‍over ⁢competitors.

A federal judge recently ruled that Google ⁢holds an illegal monopoly in ‌the search engine market, prompting these proposed remedies by the Justice Department. The ⁢proposals also seek to prevent Google’s dominance from extending into emerging sectors like artificial intelligence.

Google Vice President Lee-Anne ‌Mulholland criticized these proposals, stating they would have negative consequences⁢ for consumers ‍and businesses alike. Despite this opposition, smaller competitors like Yelp have welcomed the DOJ’s recommendations.

Legal experts suggest that instead of a breakup, the court may require Google to adjust certain exclusive agreements it has with other companies. As this process ⁣unfolds in court over time, it is likely‌ that there will be appeals from both sides before any‌ final decisions are made.
Source: www.ibtimes.com