Google seeks to avoid drastic measures like selling Chrome, proposing alternative solutions to address antitrust concerns related to its search dominance.
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| Google challenges the DOJ's proposed remedies in its antitrust case, arguing they are overly restrictive and go beyond the scope of the court's ruling. Symbolic Image |
Mountain View, California, USA --- December 21, 2024:
Google has submitted a proposal to the Department of Justice (DOJ) outlining alternative remedies to address antitrust concerns related to its dominance in the search market. This move follows a court ruling that found Google had illegally maintained a monopoly through agreements with companies like Apple and Mozilla to make Google Search the default on their browsers.
The DOJ had called for drastic measures, including the forced sale of Chrome and restrictions on Google's ability to favor its own search engine on Android. However, Google, while maintaining its disagreement with the court's ruling and planning to appeal, has proposed alternative solutions. These include increased flexibility for browser companies, allowing them to change default search engines more frequently and offer different defaults across various platforms. Device manufacturers would also gain more flexibility in preloading multiple search engines and Google apps.
Google, in a blog post, characterized the DOJ's proposed remedies as "overboard" and "interventionist," arguing that they go beyond the scope of the court's decision and reflect an excessive level of government intervention.
This case has significant implications for the future of the internet. The outcome will determine the extent to which the government can regulate dominant tech companies and promote competition in the digital marketplace. A court hearing is scheduled for April 2025, where the judge will consider the proposed remedies and ultimately decide on the appropriate course of action.