In a significant development in the ongoing antitrust case, Google has submitted an alternative proposal to the US Department of Justice, rejecting the agency's demands to sell its Chrome browser and spin off its Android operating system. The proposal, filed on Friday, comes in response to the DOJ's remedies proposed in August, which aimed to address Google's alleged monopoly in online search.

In August, US District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had acted illegally to maintain its search monopoly, prompting the DOJ to propose a range of remedies. These included the sale of Chrome, the spinoff of Android, and a prohibition on entering into exclusionary search agreements with browser and phone companies. However, Google has strongly opposed these measures, characterizing them as an "interventionist agenda" that goes beyond the court's decision.

According to Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs, the DOJ's proposal would harm American consumers and undermine the country's global technology leadership. Mulholland argued that the proposal would require Google to share users' private search queries with foreign and domestic rivals, restricting the company's ability to innovate and improve its products.

Google's alternative proposal seeks to address the court's concerns while minimizing the impact on its business. The company suggests that it should still be allowed to make search deals with companies like Apple and Mozilla, but with the option to set different defaults on different platforms (e.g., iPhone vs. iPad) and in different browsing modes. Additionally, Google proposes that Android device manufacturers could have more flexibility in pre-loading multiple search engines and Google apps without Google Search or Chrome.

The proposal is seen as a significant development in the case, which has far-reaching implications for the tech industry. Judge Mehta is expected to rule on the remedies next year, with a hearing scheduled for April. Mulholland emphasized that Google plans to appeal Mehta's August ruling against the company, but is required to outline its proposed remedies as part of the legal process.

The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of online search and the tech industry as a whole. If the DOJ's remedies are implemented, it could lead to a significant shift in the online search landscape, potentially opening up opportunities for rival search engines. On the other hand, if Google's alternative proposal is accepted, it could allow the company to maintain its dominant position in the market.

As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by industry observers, policymakers, and consumers alike. The stakes are high, and the outcome will have a lasting impact on the tech industry's competitive landscape.