The U.S. Justice Department officials are planning to request a judge to mandate Google to divest its Chrome browser to dismantle its monopoly in the internet search market, marking a significant move against the largest tech companies globally.
Last month, the Department of Justice (DoJ) filed legal documents indicating the consideration of implementing “structural remedies” to prevent Google from leveraging certain products.
Reports suggest that the Justice Department will urge Alphabet Inc.’s Google to sell the browser and seek court-ordered measures related to artificial intelligence and Android, the smartphone operating system.
Google has opposed any lawsuit brought by the Justice Department, deeming the suggestion as an “overreach” by the government that could detrimentally impact consumers.
If Mehta accepts the proposal, it could significantly reshape Google’s dominance in the global online search market, where it holds a 90% share, and its role in the burgeoning domain of artificial intelligence.
This lawsuit against Google follows a court ruling in August favoring the Justice Department, which found the company in violation of antitrust laws and establishing an unlawful monopoly through substantial investments.
The Justice Department affirmed in a filing last month that Google’s actions have caused “significant harm” to users and emphasized the vital importance of reinstating competition in the market.
Legal actions against Google commenced during the prior Donald Trump administration and have persisted under President Joe Biden.
LeeAnne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulation, criticized the Justice Department for pursuing an agenda that extends beyond the legal matters in the case.
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She stated, “If the government pursues such a strong approach, it will have detrimental effects on consumers, developers, and America’s technological leadership at a critical juncture.”
This case mirrors the U.S. government’s attempts in the 1990s to split up Microsoft to challenge its dominance in the software market.
In 2000, a judge ruled in favor of the Justice Department, recommending the company’s division, but Microsoft appealed the decision in the following year, leading to the ultimate dismissal of the lawsuit by the Justice Department.
Google is expected to present a relief proposal by December 20th.
Source: www.theguardian.com
