The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has called for a historic antitrust action against Google, urging a federal judge to order the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser and prohibit deals securing Google as the default search engine on smartphones.
In court filings on Wednesday, the DOJ argued that Google’s dominance in search and control over the Android operating system stifles competition, leveraging confidential agreements with device manufacturers like Apple to solidify its position. The DOJ warned that if remedies fail, Google may also be required to divest Android entirely.
Google, which controls over 90% of the U.S. online search market, dismissed the proposed breakup as “radical.” Industry groups have also criticized the move, suggesting more targeted measures would suffice.
The trial follows a 2023 ruling by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta declaring Google a monopoly. Both sides are set to present arguments at a hearing in April 2024, but a final resolution may take years as Google is expected to appeal any ruling against it.
Adding to the uncertainty is the political shift in January, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. His administration may continue, modify, or abandon the case altogether. Trump has previously expressed mixed views on addressing big tech dominance, complicating the future of the lawsuit.
The case marks a significant shift in U.S. antitrust enforcement, reflecting the Biden administration’s broader efforts to curb the power of tech giants, with ongoing cases against Apple, Meta, and Amazon. If successful, the legal challenge against Google could reshape the digital landscape and set a precedent for regulating tech monopolies.
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