After winning the antitrust case against Google, the US Department of Justice is considering various options for impact on the company, including its possible division. The sale of Android, Chrome and AdWords, as well as measures to ensure fair competition in search and advertising, are discussed.
The fate of Google
Antitrust proceedings
After Google was recognized as a monopolist in the field of online search, the US Department of Justice is studying various scenarios for the further development of the situation. One of the more radical options is to break up the tech giant.
Historical precedent
If this decision is made, it will be the first time a company has been split up due to illegal monopolization since the failed attempt to break up Microsoft about 20 years ago. However, authorities are also considering less stringent measures.
Alternative measures
Other options include requiring Google to share more data with competitors and taking steps to prevent it from gaining an undue advantage in artificial intelligence. In addition, the government will likely seek a ban on exclusive contracts, which was a key aspect of the trial.
Potential items for sale
According to informed sources, if the Ministry of Justice insists on separation, the most likely candidates for sale are the Android operating system, the Chrome web browser and the AdWords advertising platform.
Android Issue
The focus is on the Android OS, used on approximately 2.5 billion devices worldwide. The problem is that Google requires device manufacturers to sign agreements to install its apps, such as Gmail and the Google Play Store. These agreements also stipulate that Google's search widget and Chrome browser must be pre-installed and cannot be removed, effectively preventing competition from other search engines.
Impact of the ruling
Discussions at the Justice Department intensified after Judge Amit Mehta ruled on August 5 that Google was illegal monopolized the markets for online search and search text advertising. Although Google has said it intends to challenge the decision, Mehta has ordered both sides to begin planning for the second phase of the case, which will include the government's proposals to restore competition, including a possible call for a breakup of the company.
Next Steps
The US Government's plan will require Judge Mehta's approval. If Google's split goes through, it could be the largest split by a US company since the breakup of telecom giant AT&T in the 1980s.
Glossary
- Google is an American multinational corporation specializing in Internet services and products
- Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google
- Chrome is a web browser developed by Google
- AdWords - Google's advertising platform for placing text and display advertising
- Microsoft - American transnational technology corporation
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What What could be the consequences of a court decision recognizing Google as a monopolist?
Why is selling the Android operating system considered a major remedy?
What actions, besides breaking up the company, is the US Department of Justice considering?
What is the current status of the litigation against Google?
How significant might the Google split be in a historical context?
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Discussion of the topic – Google split: US Department of Justice proposes radical measures against monopoly
The US Department of Justice is considering splitting Google into separate companies after recognizing it as a monopolist in online search. This could be the first time a company has been split up due to illegal monopolization in two decades.
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Isabella
Wow, is Google really going to be split up? 😱 This could seriously change the landscape of the tech industry. I wonder how this will affect Android users?
Hans
Isabella, I think breaking up Google could be good for competition. Imagine how many new innovative search engines could emerge! 🚀 Although, of course, it will be a difficult process.
Pierre
I agree with Hans. A monopoly is never good for consumers. But I'm more interested in what will happen to AdWords. This is Google's main source of income! 💰
Sofia
Guys, don’t you think that this could negatively affect the quality of Google services? 🤔 Still, their ecosystem is very convenient. Pierre, about AdWords - this is a really interesting question!
Olaf
It's all nonsense. Google works great, why change anything? They will only make it worse. Let them deal with real problems instead of destroying something that functions well.
Maria
Sofia, I understand your concerns. But maybe this will lead to the emergence of new, more specialized services? 🌟 For example, a search engine focused on scientific research.
Luca
I wonder how this will affect the development of AI? 🤖 Google is the leader in this area. Maria, your idea about specialized search engines sounds great!
Anya
Luca, great question about AI! 👍 Maybe this will give other companies a chance to catch up with Google in this area? In general, I wonder how long the whole separation process might take, if it comes to that.