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DOJ orders Google to stop selling Chrome to end search monopoly

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has put forward a set of proposals to address Google’s dominance in the online search market, with a notable demand to sell Google Chrome, a widely used internet browser. This initiative is part of a larger legal campaign to dismantle what the DOJ characterizes as Google’s “search monopoly,” a topic that has sparked debates among competitors and regulators for quite some time.

The DOJ made this proposal in November 2024 following a groundbreaking ruling in August by District Judge Amit Mehta, who concluded that Google had unlawfully upheld its monopoly in the search market, hindering competition through exclusionary tactics. The proposal suggests several remedies to break Google’s stronghold over search services and surrounding advertising spaces. One of the significant points in the proposal is the mandated divestiture of Google Chrome, a critical tool that has enabled Google to drive users to its search engine. The DOJ argues that Google’s control over Chrome, along with its integration with Android, has given the company an unfair advantage by funneling user data to itself, thus hindering competitors’ entry into the search market.

The proposal to separate Chrome is a direct response to what the DOJ calls Google’s “Chrome monopoly,” asserting that it has obstructed competition significantly. By reducing Google’s control over Chrome, the DOJ aims to open up the search market, fostering fairer competition. Additionally, the DOJ has suggested other measures to prevent Google from circumventing the proposed remedies, including limitations on contracts with companies like Apple and Samsung, which currently default to Google Search on many mobile devices and browsers.

Google has voiced its dissent against the DOJ’s proposals, with Kent Walker, Google’s President of Global Affairs, criticizing the intervention as a “radical interventionist agenda” that could negatively impact consumers and America’s technology leadership. Despite Google’s opposition, a coalition of states supports the federal government’s efforts to break up Google’s monopoly, believing that the proposed remedies will promote innovation and provide consumers with more choices in the search market.

Google’s dominance in the search market is substantial, with its search engine commanding around 90% of global online searches, as per data from Statcounter. This dominance, coupled with its influence over key distribution channels like Chrome and Android, has solidified its position. The DOJ contends that Google’s vast data advantage, accrued through its monopolistic practices, has elevated its search algorithms and advertising systems unfairly, creating challenges for competitors to innovate.

Legal experts predict a lengthy and complex road to implementing the DOJ’s proposals. With a new administration set to take office, questions loom on whether the government will continue to support the case. Despite potential shifts in leadership, states involved in the case could independently advocate for the proposed remedies. If successful, the DOJ’s remedy could lead to a more competitive landscape, offering consumers more choices and advertisers greater control over their campaigns.

In conclusion, the DOJ’s proposal is viewed as a crucial measure to counterbalance Google’s dominance in the online search and advertising sectors. The goal is to dismantle exclusionary practices, promote competition, and provide consumers and advertisers with more choices and control. The proposed remedies also aim to increase transparency and reduce switching costs for advertisers by requiring Google to provide real-time data on ad performance and offer advertisers more control over keyword matching.

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