The U.S. Justice Department (DoJ) is escalating its antitrust case against Google, aiming to dismantle its dominance in internet search by forcing the sale of its Chrome browser and implementing broader measures to regulate its AI and Android operations.
- DoJ’s Proposed Actions:
- Plans to compel Google to sell its Chrome browser.
- Seeks measures to regulate Google’s AI activities and Android operating system.
- Proposes data licensing requirements to restore market competition.
- Case Background:
- Filed during the Trump administration and continued under Biden.
- August court ruling found Google violated antitrust laws by creating an illegal monopoly in search.
- Market Impact:
- Google controls 90% of the global search market.
- Proposed remedies could reshape the online search and AI sectors.
- Google’s Defense:
- Claims the DoJ’s proposals are an “overreach” and harm consumers.
- Google’s regulatory VP, Lee-Anne Mulholland, labelled the moves a “radical agenda”.
- Insider Response:
- Google is required to submit its proposed remedies by December 20, 2024.
- Company promises to fight the measures vigorously.
- Historical Parallel:
- The case recalls the Microsoft antitrust battle in the 1990s.
- A judge initially ruled to split Microsoft but was overturned on appeal.
- Anthropic Partnership Cleared in UK:
- UK’s CMA dropped an investigation into Google’s $2B partnership with Anthropic.
- Found no evidence of material control over Anthropic’s operations.
The DoJ’s antitrust push against Google marks a pivotal moment for tech regulation, targeting monopolistic practices in search and emerging AI markets. If successful, the case could reshape the internet landscape, similar to past attempts with Microsoft. However, Google’s robust defense and historical outcomes suggest a long legal battle ahead.
