The U.S. Department of Justice is considering different remedies for Google after its search engine was declared an illegal monopoly. This includes potentially breaking up Google, as well as imposing restrictions on how Google’s artificial intelligence mines other websites and blocking deals that make Google the default search engine on devices like iPhones. The court filing outlined steps the government may take to reshape the company that has long dominated online search.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled in August that Google’s search engine has illegally exploited its dominance to stifle competition and innovation. A trial on proposed remedies is scheduled for next spring, and a decision is expected by August 2025. The government may not necessarily pursue remedies like divestiture, as it will conduct further discovery over the coming weeks before presenting a more detailed proposal next month.
Google has expressed concerns about the potential remedies, stating that the Department of Justice is signaling requests that go beyond the legal issues in the case. The company believes that government overreach in a rapidly evolving industry could have negative consequences for American innovation and consumers. Google plans to appeal Mehta’s ruling once a final remedy is determined, which could take up to five years, according to legal experts.
During the trial, evidence highlighted Google’s deals with other tech companies to ensure its search engine is the default option on consumer technology. The government is considering structural changes to prevent Google from leveraging products like Chrome, Android, AI, and app store for its search business. This includes exploring the option for companies to opt-out of having their information used by Google in AI-enhanced responses to search queries.
Google’s response emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence as a competitive technology, warning against government intervention that could impact the industry. The company plans to offer its own ideas for addressing anticompetitive practices in December after the government submits a detailed proposal in November. Additionally, Google is facing regulatory pressure in Europe, with EU antitrust enforcers suggesting that breaking up the company may be necessary to address competition concerns in the digital ad business.
Overall, the Department of Justice’s consideration of potential remedies for Google’s anticompetitive practices is part of a broader effort to address the company’s dominance in the online search market. The legal process is expected to unfold over the coming months, with input from both the government and Google on how best to address the issues raised by the court ruling. As technology continues to evolve, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of competition in the digital landscape.
