The US Department of Justice is demanding that Google make significant changes to its business practices, including the possibility of a breakup, after being found guilty of running an illegal monopoly. The landmark antitrust trial determined that Google was a monopolist, marking a shift in how tech giants are regulated in the US.
Potential actions by the government could include breaking up Google or requiring substantial changes to how it operates, such as divesting its smartphone operating system or Chrome browser. The Department of Justice also mentioned prohibiting Google’s default agreements with third parties and making search data available to rivals as possible remedies.
Google has criticized these proposals as “radical” and plans to appeal any decision made by the court, potentially leading to a prolonged legal battle. The case focused on Google’s dominance in the search engine market, part of a broader legal offensive against the company’s alleged antitrust violations in the United States.
In addition to the search engine, Google faces challenges regarding its advertising technology and Google Play store practices. The next steps in the case include submitting a detailed request in November and arguments from both sides in a special hearing scheduled for April.
Overall, the trial highlighted Google’s control over the US online search market and the potential impact of regulatory actions on the tech giant’s business operations.