Google has proposed changes to address concerns over its search monopoly, including allowing flexibility for companies and consumers in choosing a search engine. The proposal was made in response to a landmark ruling by Judge Amit P. Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, who found that Google had illegally maintained a monopoly in online search.
The government had previously asked the judge to force Google to sell Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, and other remedies. However, Google proposed a more nuanced approach, allowing companies like Apple and Samsung to select different search engines to come up automatically on their devices.
Under the proposal, cellphone makers using Android could install multiple search engines and install other Google apps without installing its search tool or Gemini artificial intelligence assistant product. Apple, for example, could choose between different search engines for iPhone and iPad users.
Google argued that these changes would allow for more competition in the search market while minimizing disruptions to consumers’ privacy and security. The company plans to appeal Judge Mehta’s ruling after he makes a decision on remedies sometime next year.
The proposal has significant implications for Google, which generates over half its revenue from search-related businesses. If approved, it could set a precedent for other antitrust cases against tech behemoths like Apple, Meta, and Amazon. The Justice Department has already filed lawsuits against these companies, alleging monopolistic practices in areas such as advertising technology and online retail.
Google’s proposal is part of a broader effort to address concerns over its dominance in the digital economy. As the company continues to evolve and innovate, it must balance its pursuit of innovation with its responsibility to comply with antitrust laws and regulations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/technology/google-antitrust-search-remedies.html