Google responded to a federal judge’s ruling on its search engine monopoly by suggesting minimal changes to its existing practices. The company, following a landmark August ruling that found it in violation of antitrust laws, has proposed offering more options to businesses that contract with Google as their default search engine. This could potentially give consumers more choices across web browsers, as well as iPhone, iPad and Android.
An inextricable situation
The lawsuit against Google, initiated by the US Department of Justice alongside several states in 2020, accuses Google of strengthening its monopoly through exclusive contracts with companies like Apple, Samsung and Mozilla. These agreements, valued at nearly 20 billion for Apple for example, ensured that Google was the default search engine, accumulating vast data on users to refine its service (and expand its bank accounts), which makes it even more difficult for competitors to break through.
The Justice Department, in its latest proposal last month, suggested drastic measures like forcing Google to sell Chrome, banning exclusive deals with search engines, sharing its search data with competitors for a decade and either divest Android, or stop bundling its services with it. Additionally, they recommended that Google divest from AI companies to avoid strengthening its search capabilities.
Google’s solution
An inextricable situation? Not for Google which, according to him, has found the miracle solution. The idea is to continue paying for default investments, but with less restrictive conditions. For example, Apple could opt for different default search engines for iPhones and iPads. Android device manufacturers could offer multiple search engine options during setup, and browsers like those from Apple and Mozilla could change their default search engine every year. Google argues that these adjustments address the court’s concerns without compromising user privacy or U.S. technological leadership.
Judge Amit P. Mehta, who will rule on the measures by August 2025, has set a hearing for April at which Google and the Justice Department will make their case, with potential input on the role of the AI in research.
The move could reshape the Internet landscape, affecting how search works and competes. The outcome remains uncertain, as the judge has not shown the slightest inclination towards either solution. This could give birth to a mouse, or an earthquake. This would be the second for Google, which has already seen its market share in online advertising melt since the advent of ChatGPT which makes requests for users without opening a browser.
