The measures being considered include "structural requirements” to prevent Google from maintaining its internet search monopoly
The measures being considered include “structural requirements” to prevent Google from maintaining its internet search monopoly

The US government says it is considering whether to ask a judge to break up search engine giant Google, in a move that could reshape how technology giants do business.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) says the measures may include “structural requirements” to prevent Google from maintaining its internet search “monopoly”.

In response, Google warned that the proposed changes could have unintended consequences for US businesses and consumers.

The DoJ’s announcement comes after a landmark court ruling in August that found Google had maintained its dominance of online search through illegal practices.

The DoJ said in a court filing that it is considering “remedies that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play, and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products”.

In a blog post, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said the recommendations constitute “government overreach”.

The DoJ is expected to submit a more detailed set of proposals by 20 November.

Google will be able to submit its own proposed remedies by 20 December.

The court decision in August was a major blow to Alphabet, Google’s parent company.

It came after a 10-week trial, in which prosecutors accused Google of paying billions of dollars a year to firms, including Apple and Samsung, to ensure it was their default search engine.

Google’s lawyers argued that users are attracted to the search engine because they find it useful, and that Google is investing to make it better for consumers.

Other pending lawsuits against big US technology firms – including Facebook-owner Meta, Amazon and Apple – accusing them of anti-competitive practices.

The lawsuits are part of attempts by US authorities to strengthen competition in the industry.

Source

You May Also Like

Time travel: What if you met your future self?

By Hal Hershfield15th November 2023 Imagining a conversation with “future you” has…

Can AI cut humans out of contract negotiations?

By Sean McManus Technology Reporter “Lawyers are tired. They’re bored a lot…

OpenAI staff demand board resign over Sam Altman sacking

By Chris Vallance, Annabelle Liang & Zoe Kleinman Technology and business reporters…

Nasa astronaut Frank Rubio has just returned from a record-breaking 371 days in space onboard the ISS, but the trip may have altered his muscles, brain and even the bacteria living in his gut.

With a few handshakes, a brief photoshoot and a wave, Nasa astronaut…

Xi Jinping arrives in the US as his Chinese Dream sputters

By Tessa Wong Asia Digital Reporter, BBC News When Xi Jinping stepped…

China and Australia: Frenemies who need each other

By Nick Marsh Asia Business Correspondent China and Australia are proof that…

AI: EU agrees landmark deal on regulation of artificial intelligence

European Union officials have reached a provisional deal on the world’s first…

The race to buy AI website addresses

By David Silverberg Technology reporter When tech entrepreneur Ian Leaman needed to…