The US Department of Justice has recommended that Google be required to sell its Chrome browser in order to restore competition in the online market. The potential separation of Android is also being considered as a means to eliminate the monopoly that Google currently holds in the field of search engines and advertising, as deemed illegal by the court.
A document outlining the suggestions details possible steps to address the situation, ranging from restrictions on certain agreements to more drastic measures such as company separation. The focus is on the Chrome browser division, which the government views as a crucial tool for the internet ecosystem.
While Android is not yet included in the assets slated for separation, the possibility remains open. This potential threat could incentivize Google to comply with the proposed regulations, which include a ban on using Android to promote its own search engine. If these measures fail to restore competition, the separation of Android may still be pursued.
In addition, the Department of Justice is also proposing to prohibit Google from offering monetary incentives or other benefits to third-party companies, like Apple or smartphone manufacturers, in exchange for installing its default search engine or restricting competitors. The suggestion also includes banning the promotion of its own search engine on Google platforms, such as YouTube.
Other measures under consideration include providing competitors access to Google’s search engine on fair terms, mandated sharing of search results and data from the US for a period of 10 years, and giving websites the option to exclude their content from Google’s AI-driven views without adversely impacting their search ranking.
Google has expressed criticism of the recommendations. A lawyer from Alphabet, Google’s parent company, labeled the Department of Justice’s actions as “excessive” and warned that they could jeopardize the technological leadership of the US. Google highlighted concerns about disclosing the company’s innovations and user search data to unknown entities, potentially foreign ones.
Furthermore, the proposals could result in decreased investment in artificial intelligence development. Google emphasized its prominent position in the AI field and cautioned that restrictions may hinder innovation, thereby diminishing the US’s global technological competitiveness.
One particularly debated measure is the mandate for Google to implement two search engine selection screens on Pixel devices. The design of these screens would need approval from a specially appointed technical committee, a provision that Google deems as excessive interference in its operations.