New York: U.S. prosecutors have proposed significant measures to curb Google’s dominance in the online search market, arguing that the tech giant must divest its Chrome browser and share data with competitors to restore fair competition. These recommendations, presented on Wednesday during court proceedings, also include restrictions on Google’s future involvement in the browser market and potential divestiture of its Android operating system if other remedies fail.
Key DOJ Demands:
1. Divestiture of Chrome Browser
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) insists Google must immediately and fully divest its Chrome browser to a buyer approved by the government. According to prosecutors, Chrome and Android serve as “key methods” for distributing search engines, creating a substantial barrier to entry for rivals.
2. Android Operating System
The DOJ proposes that Google may either retain control of Android or divest it entirely. If Google fails to comply with other competition-restoring measures, prosecutors may petition the court to enforce Android’s divestiture to an approved buyer.
3. Browser Ownership Restrictions
Google would be barred from owning a browser or holding investments in search rivals, query-based AI technologies, or search ad distributors for five years following the divestiture of Chrome.
4. Search Engine Contracts
Prosecutors call for an end to exclusive agreements where Google pays billions of dollars annually to make its search engine the default on third-party devices. This includes agreements with companies such as Apple.
5. Publisher Agreements
The DOJ seeks to prevent Google from signing exclusive contracts with publishers that restrict competitors from accessing certain content.
6. Search Preference Practices
Google would be prohibited from prioritizing its own search engine, search text ads, or AI products using its owned or operated assets.
7. Data Sharing Obligations
Under the proposals, Google would be required to license search results to competitors at a nominal cost and share user data with rivals for free. Privacy-protected data that cannot be shared would also be restricted from Google’s collection.
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A Move to Reshape the Market
The DOJ’s demands are among the most significant attempts to address Google’s dominance in the digital marketplace. Prosecutors argue that these measures are essential to restoring competition, allowing smaller players to enter the market, and curbing Google’s control over search and advertising technologies.
