The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly planning to seek a court order forcing Google to divest its Chrome browser. This move comes after a recent ruling that found Google guilty of maintaining an illegal search monopoly.
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The DOJ’s proposed remedies aim to address concerns about Google’s anti-competitive practices. These include:
- Separating Android from Search and Google Play: While the DOJ doesn’t intend to force Google to sell off Android, it seeks to loosen the tight integration between the operating system and Google’s search and app store services.
- Increased transparency for advertisers: The DOJ proposes that Google share more information with advertisers and give them more control over ad placement.
- Restrictions on AI data usage: The DOJ aims to limit Google’s ability to use website content for its AI products without explicit permission.
- Ban on exclusive contracts: The DOJ seeks to prohibit Google from entering into exclusive contracts that stifle competition.
Google has responded to these proposals, with Lee-Anne Mulholland, VP of Regulatory Affairs, stating that the DOJ’s “radical agenda” goes beyond the legal issues at hand. The company is likely to vigorously contest these proposed remedies in court.
