In the major development of an ongoing antitrust case against Google, the DOJ proposed a remedy that would force the tech giant to sell popular Chrome browsers and to face new restrictions on the Android operating system.
Ars Technica Report Following the groundbreaking decision to run as a monopoly by the internet giant, DOJ outlined its first antitrust submission to Google, as well as a remedy for its plans it pursues to relieve the company's tensions in the search market. DOJ has backed off some of its previous proposals, such as forcing Google to sell AI investments, but the government is asking the Tech giant to sell its Chrome browser itself.
According to a filing by the DOJ, “Google's illegality created an economic Goliath, which wreaked havoc on the market and ensures that Google always wins no matter what happens.” The government argues that the only way to level the playing field is to force Google to sell a Chrome browser, along with the data or assets needed for continuous operation. The move effectively transfers a Chrome user base of around 3.4 billion to its competitors.
Under the proposed remedy, Google will be banned from releasing new browsers during the sentencing period. However, the company is permitted to continue its contributions to the open source chrome project. The government will also vet potential buyers of Chrome to ensure that sales do not pose a national security threat.
DOJ has eased Google's stance on AI investment, but the company still faces some restrictions in this area. Instead of forcing Google to sell from competing AI companies, the government is now suggesting that Google must notify them before making new AI investments.
Regarding the Android operating systems used on smartphones and tablets, DOJ is no longer trying to force Google to sell its software department entirely. Instead, the government is proposing a set of restrictions on how Google promotes its products on its platform. These restrictions prohibit Google from making its search or generate AI products mandatory on Android and prevents companies from putting pressure on partners to use Google search or AI services in competition.
If these measures cannot dissolve Google's suspected monopoly, or if the company is trying to ignore the bailout, the government can force Google to sell Android. In this scenario, the DOJ has the final decision on who will purchase the operating system.
Naturally, Google is strongly opposed to the relief measures proposed by DOJ. A Google spokesman said, “DOJ's drastic proposals will continue to go miles beyond court decisions and will harm American consumers, the economy and national security.” The company has not changed its own proposed remedies, including changing the way search placement transactions change how browsers and Android devices work, and accepting additional regulatory oversight to ensure compliance.
As cases enter the next phase in the coming weeks, Google is expected to seek delays in implementing the remedy while appealing to the ruling. The company hopes that it will be able to overturn the decision upon appeal and has expressed its discussion of the remedy.
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Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News, which covers the issues of freedom of speech and online censorship.
