The US Justice Department is proposing to break up Google to fight its monopoly in the search business, considering selling part of the company and opening up access to underlying data to competitors.
Google Split
US Department of Justice Recommendations
US Department of Justice is considering going to federal court to force Google to sell part of its business. The purpose of this step is to eliminate the company's monopoly in the field of Internet search. In addition, Google may be required to provide competitors with access to basic data used to operate the search engine and develop products based on artificial intelligence.
Justification of the proposed measures
The statement notes: “For more than a decade, Google has maintained control of the most popular distribution channels, leaving competitors virtually unincentivized to compete for users. To fully reverse this damage, it is necessary not only to end Google's control of distribution today, but also to ensure that such control is no longer possible in the future".
Possible structural changes
The department is considering demanding structural changes that would prevent Google from using the Chrome browser, Android OS, AI products or the app store to benefit its search business. Prosecutors are paying particular attention to agreements that set Google as the default search engine. The statement states that any proposed protections would be aimed at limiting or prohibiting such transactions.
Google reaction
LeeAnne Mulholland, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs, said in response that the Justice Department is "already signaling requests that go well beyond the specific legal issues" in the case. She warned: "Excessive government intervention in a fast-growing industry could have negative unintended consequences for American innovation and consumers. The government appears to be committed to a sweeping agenda that will affect multiple industries and products, which could have a significant impact on consumers, businesses and U.S. competitiveness."
Judgment and Google's plans
In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google's search engine had illegally exploited its dominant position to stifle competition and innovation. The judge found that Google processes more than 90% of all Internet search queries in the United States. He has set a timetable for reviewing the proposed remedies for next spring and plans to issue a decision by August 2025. Google has already announced its intention to appeal this court decision.
Glossary
- Google is an American multinational corporation specializing in Internet services and products
- Chrome is a web browser developed by Google
- Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google
- Amit Mehta - US District Judge who ruled in the Google case
- LeeAnne Mulholland - Google Vice President of Regulatory Affairs
Links
- Covington & Burling LLP : Analysis of the court decision in the Google case
- CBS News: US Department of Justice proposal to split Google
Answers to questions
What measures does the US Department of Justice propose against Google?
Why does the Department of Justice feel it is necessary to take action against Google?
What structural changes could be proposed to limit Google's influence?
How did Google respond to the DOJ's announcement?
What is the current status of the case against Google?
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Discussion of the topic – Google division: US Department of Justice prepares revolutionary recommendations for court
The US Department of Justice has developed a plan to break up Google in order to prevent a monopoly in the market. These recommendations will be presented to the court for consideration.
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Luca
Wow, this is serious business! Google has truly become a monopoly in search. I wonder how the division will affect the quality of their services? 🤔
Amelie
I agree, Luca. But won't this limit innovation? Google invests heavily in development. I fear that separation could slow down progress in AI and search. 🧠💡
Javier
Amelie, I understand your concern, but competition can drive innovation. Imagine how many new ideas will come out if other companies have access to Google data! 🚀
Emma
What about users? I'm used to the Google ecosystem. I don’t want to lose the convenience of integrated services. I hope they take consumer interests into account when making their decision. 🙏
Klaus
Oh, these newfangled things again! Previously, we lived without any Google and nothing, we managed. Why are these monopolies and division needed at all? Just noise and bustle. 😒
Luca
Klaus, times are changing! Technologies make our lives more convenient. But Emma is right, it is important to maintain the user experience. Maybe we should find a balance between competition and integration? 🤝
Olena
What if Google opens up its algorithms? This could encourage fair competition without radically breaking up the company. Transparency in how AI works would also be helpful. 👀
Javier
Great idea, Olena! Open algorithms could be a compromise. This will keep Google intact while still giving other companies a chance. I wonder what Google itself thinks about this? 🤔💻