Google Fights Back: DOJ Proposals Threaten US Tech Leadership

The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed that Google be required to divest its Chrome browser to restore competition in the online search market. The potential separation of Android remains on the table as well. These measures aim to dismantle Google’s monopoly, which, according to the court, the company unlawfully maintains in the realms of search engines and advertising.

The proposal outlines a series of corrective steps, ranging from restrictions on specific agreements to more drastic actions, such as breaking up the company. Particular focus is placed on separating Chrome, which the government views as a pivotal tool in dominating internet search.

While Android is not yet mandated for divestiture, the possibility is under consideration. This threat may serve as leverage to ensure Google complies with proposed rules, including a ban on using Android to promote its own search engine. Should these measures prove insufficient to restore competition, the separation of Android could also be enforced.

Additionally, the Justice Department seeks to prohibit Google from offering financial incentives or other benefits to third-party companies, such as Apple or smartphone manufacturers, for setting its search engine as the default or restricting competitors. A ban is also proposed on promoting Google’s search engine across its platforms, including YouTube.

Other measures include granting competitors access to Google’s search index at marginal cost, requiring the company to share search results and U.S.-based query data for a decade, and allowing websites to opt out of inclusion in Google’s AI-generated summaries without penalty in search rankings.

Google has criticized these proposals. An Alphabet attorney, writing on the company’s blog, called the Justice Department’s actions “overreaching,” claiming they threaten U.S. technological leadership. Google argued that disclosing its innovations and user search queries could result in sensitive data being exposed to unknown entities, including foreign companies.

Another potential consequence of the proposals could be a reduction in investments in artificial intelligence development. Google emphasized its leadership in AI and warned that the restrictions could slow the pace of innovation, undermining U.S. global technological competitiveness.

One of the most debated measures involves requiring Google to implement dual search engine choice screens on Pixel devices. The screens’ designs would need approval from a specially formed technical committee, which Google contends would lead to excessive interference in its operations.

Google plans to submit its own proposals next month and continues to defend its position. Company representatives reminded the public that the court previously acknowledged the high quality of Google’s search engine, which has earned the trust of hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

The Justice Department intends to revise its proposals by March, with a two-week hearing in April to determine final measures. The court will decide the best path to restore competition. Notably, the case unfolds amidst a change in Justice Department leadership, potentially influencing the outcome. However, the lawsuit originated under the Trump administration, indicating the long-standing nature of the concerns.

Recently, Microsoft accused Google of conducting a covert campaign to win approval from European authorities and antitrust regulators. According to Microsoft, Google deliberately concealed its involvement in the new lobbying group, Open Cloud Coalition, to portray the initiative as independent. Microsoft alleges that Google founded the coalition but intentionally placed smaller European companies at the forefront, obscuring its own role in governance and funding.