U.S. Government Considers Breaking Up Google Amid Antitrust Case
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is contemplating the potential break-up of Google, the world’s largest search engine, following a landmark ruling that accused the tech giant of monopolistic practices. This move could result in one of the most significant regulatory actions in the history of Big Tech.
In August, a court found that Google had illegally stifled competition in the online search market, a decision that has led the DOJ to explore various “remedies” to address the company’s dominance. Among the options on the table is the separation of Google’s core search engine from its other products, such as the Chrome browser and Android operating system, which the DOJ claims have been used to funnel users to its search platform.
Google has strongly opposed these proposals, calling them “radical” and arguing that such measures could harm consumers, businesses, and developers. The company currently controls around 90% of global online searches, and its search dominance is further bolstered by its integration with other products, through which it generates billions in advertising revenue.
The DOJ’s case asserts that Google’s tactics have prevented competitors from gaining a foothold in the online search market, allowing the company to charge excessively high prices for advertisements while reducing the quality of its services. The department has indicated that it is considering steps to prevent Google from leveraging products like Chrome and Android to bolster its search dominance.
If the DOJ moves forward, it is expected to submit a detailed proposal by November 20, outlining its recommendations for curbing Google’s influence. Google will have until December 20 to present its own counter-proposals.
Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, pushed back on the DOJ’s suggestions, labelling them as “government overreach.” She warned that separating Google’s products could lead to higher costs for consumers, as products like Chrome and Android, which are currently free, might need to start charging fees if severed from Google’s ecosystem. Mulholland also argued that the payments Google makes to companies like Apple and Samsung to be the default search engine on their devices help subsidize the cost of those products.
Despite Google’s objections, the DOJ remains focused on diminishing the company’s control over the digital advertising market. While Google insists that competition is growing from platforms like TikTok and Amazon, the company still holds more than half of the search ad market, according to reports.
Tech analysts suggest that if successful, the case could reshape the search industry, potentially creating space for smaller competitors to flourish. The outcome may also have broader implications for other tech giants, such as Meta, Amazon, and Apple, which are also facing antitrust lawsuits in the U.S.
As the legal battle continues, the case is expected to set a precedent for regulating Big Tech and could lead to transformative changes across the industry.