Google has filed a pre-hearing brief arguing that the Justice Department’s proposal to break off key parts of the tech giant, such as its Chrome browser and Android services, is anticompetitive and would harm consumers. The company claims that the proposed remedies would imperil browser developers, jeopardize customer security, and impede innovation.
In a response to the DOJ’s concerns about monopolistic default agreements, Google suggests that it should be allowed to continue paying for its default status on search engines on a year-to-year basis, while also allowing companies like Apple to set a different default browser on different devices. The company also proposes “distribution restrictions” on its Gemini AI app, which would address any concerns regarding artificial intelligence.
Google argues that the proposed remedies do not go far enough and would actually harm rivals by giving them limited flexibility in deciding when and how to preload or set a search engine as default. The company claims that its own remedies would provide rivals with more opportunities to innovate and compete on their merits, while preserving Google’s innovation incentives.
A 15-day evidentiary hearing will begin on April 21 and run through May 9, with both sides presenting evidence and questioning witnesses. The hearing is expected to decide how to open up the internet search market again and whether Google’s dominance in the search market is anticompetitive.
Source: https://www.courthousenews.com/google-argues-doj-internet-search-monopoly-remedies-will-harm-consumers