Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- The US Department of Justice has called on Google to promote rival browsers and significantly overhaul its search practices to address its alleged monopoly.
- Two options have been put forth regarding Android: either expedite the process of addressing monopolistic practices through swift motion, or prolong judicial scrutiny with prolonged courtroom oversight.
- Google plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the proposal may harm consumers and the tech industry.
The US Department of Justice has formally requested that Google promote its Chrome browser and make significant changes to Android to address concerns over the company’s dominance in online search.
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) contended that, rather than simply forcing Google to divest Chrome, it should also require the company to share search results and data with competitors and implement various other measures to level the playing field.
The Department of Justice has mandated that Google should be barred from re-entering the browser market for a period of five years and prohibited from acquiring or investing in any rival companies or related technologies, including search engines or advertising tools.
The proposed changes are significantly more drastic than the initial recommendations made by the department in October.
“Google allegedly manipulates its management of Chrome and Android for personal gain, leveraging its dominance to coerce third-party developers within the ecosystem into supporting its monopolistic practices.” The Justice Department’s submission to the court noted that Google’s exclusionary conduct has led to a situation where it is often the de facto default choice for search engines, with numerous other options being marginalized as a result.
Currently, Google dominates approximately 90% of the global web search market, solidifying its position as the industry leader. The Department of Justice contends that this level of dominance has a detrimental impact on rivals, ultimately stifling innovation. The proposal suggests subjecting Google to rigorous regulatory oversight for the next decade, with the same federal court that previously ruled the company maintains an unlawful monopoly in search and online advertising responsible for ensuring compliance.
Android beneath fireplace
The DOJ also suggested two alternative avenues for addressing Google’s market dominance in the mobile space, specifically pertaining to its Android operating system. The Commission’s primary option lies in implementing swift and decisive action to eliminate specific anticompetitive practices linked to Android. The second option proposed by the Department of Justice involves intensified monitoring both within the court system and by US authorities, as well as the implementation of behavioral interventions that would be sustained over a prolonged period.
The Department of Justice noted that the simplest solution might be to divest Android, but recognized that such an action would likely encounter significant opposition from Google and other market stakeholders.
The Department of Justice argued that, as an alternative to divesting Android, plaintiffs proposed behavioral remedies designed to curb Google’s ability to leverage its control over the Android ecosystem to promote its own search services and restrict competition from rivals.
The Justice Department has not entirely ruled out the possibility that Google may have to license Android. If Google fails to comply or alternative measures do not reverse the competitive imbalance, the corporation will undoubtedly be forced to actively promote its Android operating system.
Google has voiced its discontent with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed regulations, labeling them overly stringent and warning that they could severely impede consumer benefits, commercial innovation, and America’s global technological prowess, particularly in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence. The corporation’s ultimate decision has been reached following the upcoming trial, set to conclude in April.
