DOJ Google The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has made bold recommendations against Google, targeting its Chrome browser and Android operating system to tackle its dominance in online search. Google has slammed these suggestions as “radical” and “extreme.”
DOJ’s Recommendations: What’s on the Table?
The DOJ has proposed the following steps to curb Google’s power:
- Sell Chrome: Google could be forced to divest its popular browser.
- Regulate Search Data: Share search results and data with competitors.
- Stay Out of Browsers: Google may face a five-year ban on entering the browser market.
- Restrict Investments: Google could be barred from acquiring or investing in search engines, browsers, or ad-tech companies.
These recommendations are stricter than what the DOJ suggested earlier in October.
Why the US Department of Justice is Concerned
The DOJ accuses Google of using Chrome and Android to maintain monopolies in search and online advertising. It claims Google’s tactics, such as making itself the default search engine, harm competition and innovation.
With nearly 90% of the online search market, Google’s dominance is seen as a threat to fair competition. The DOJ wants to impose strict regulations on Google for the next decade, monitored by federal courts.
Android Under Scrutiny
The DOJ has also outlined two possible actions to address Google’s control over Android:
- Immediate Action: Stop anticompetitive practices tied to Android.
- Long-Term Oversight: Introduce behavioral remedies and court supervision to level the playing field.
The US Department of Justice has even considered asking Google to sell Android, though this would likely face opposition. An alternative approach would involve measures to prevent Google from favoring its search services and ads within the Android ecosystem.
If Google doesn’t comply or these steps fail to restore competition, a forced divestment of Android remains a possibility.
Google’s Response
Google has strongly criticized the US Department of Justice DOJ’s proposals, calling them harmful to consumers, businesses, and the US tech industry’s global competitiveness.
In a blog post, Google said:
- The DOJ’s proposals are “extreme” and “wildly overboard.”
- These changes could hurt security, limit AI advancements, and disrupt Google’s services.
- The DOJ missed an opportunity to focus on search distribution agreements with Apple, Mozilla, and others, instead choosing an “interventionist agenda.”
DOJ Google Contraversy: What’s Next?
The final ruling on this case is expected in April, and Google plans to appeal if the ruling doesn’t favor them. Meanwhile, the company will submit its own counterproposals to address the DOJ’s concerns.
The DOJ’s push to break up Google’s hold on Chrome and Android marks a significant challenge for the tech giant. While Google defends its practices, the proposed changes could reshape the future of online search and mobile operating systems.
