The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reiterated its call to break up Google, citing the tech giant's monopoly power and dominance in the search engine and mobile operating system markets. In a revised proposal filed with federal Judge Amit Mehta, the DOJ has maintained its stance that Google must be forced to sell its web browser, Google Chrome, and potentially divest its Android operating system to promote competition.
The DOJ's proposal comes on the heels of Judge Mehta's ruling last year that Google is a monopolist. The department argues that Google's dominance has denied users the ability to choose in the marketplace, and that breaking up the company is necessary to provide an opportunity for new rivals to emerge. The proposal also calls for Google to change its Android business practices to enable competition or be ordered to sell the operating system.
The revised proposal eases up on some of the original demands, however. The DOJ has dropped its suggestion that Google be allowed to sell Android in lieu of making changes to its business practices. Additionally, the department now supports letting Google pay Apple for services unrelated to search, and no longer calls for Google to drop its AI investments. Instead, the DOJ recommends requiring Google to notify federal and state officials before proceeding with investments in AI.
Google has filed its own proposal in response, which does not include selling Chrome but instead suggests the court place restrictions on the sorts of deals it can make. The company's proposal bars it from requiring phone makers that license Google Play to also preinstall other Google software, such as the Google Search app or Chrome. A hearing on the proposals is scheduled for April.
The DOJ's stance on breaking up Google has been a subject of speculation, particularly given the Trump administration's perceived coziness with tech companies. However, the department's revised proposal suggests that it remains committed to promoting competition in the tech industry. The proposal's implications are far-reaching, and could have significant effects on the future of the tech industry.
Industry experts are closely watching the developments, as the outcome could have major implications for the future of antitrust regulation in the tech industry. The DOJ's proposal is seen as a major test of the government's willingness to take on big tech, and could set a precedent for future antitrust cases.
As the hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Judge Mehta's decision and the potential consequences for Google and the tech industry as a whole. One thing is clear: the DOJ's revised proposal is a significant development in the ongoing battle to promote competition and regulate the power of big tech.