Google has formally countered a US government proposal that seeks to dismantle its business by forcing the sale of its widely used Chrome browser.
The tech giant has instead suggested alternative measures to address antitrust concerns.
Late Friday, Google filed a 12-page proposed order with the court, recommending that the judge bar the company from requiring favorable distribution or treatment of its software on mobile devices as a condition of licensing popular apps like Chrome, Play, or Gemini.
This move comes in response to the US Department of Justice's (DOJ) call for a major shake-up of Google's operations, which includes banning deals that make Google the default search engine on smartphones and preventing it from exploiting its Android mobile operating system.
The DOJ's actions are part of a broader antitrust crackdown aimed at curbing what it perceives as monopolistic practices by Google. In November, the US government asked a judge to order the sale of Chrome, marking a profound shift in regulatory approach towards tech giants, reminiscent of past efforts to break up Microsoft.
Google's proposal emphasizes that "nothing in this Final Judgment shall otherwise prohibit Google from providing consideration to a mobile device manufacturer or wireless carrier with respect to any Google product or service in exchange for such entity’s distribution, placement on any access point, promotion, or licensing of that Google product or service."
The case, which saw Google ruled a monopoly by US District Court Judge Amit Mehta in August, is now entering a critical phase where remedies for Google's alleged antitrust violations are being determined. Regardless of the outcome, Google is expected to appeal, potentially prolonging the legal battle for years and possibly bringing the matter before the US Supreme Court.
Adding another layer of complexity, the impending change in US administration with President-elect Donald Trump taking office in January could influence the direction of the case. The new administration may choose to continue, settle, or abandon the proceedings altogether.
This landmark trial has scrutinized Google's confidential agreements with smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, which involve substantial payments to secure Google’s search engine as the default option on browsers and devices.
Comments