DOJ Proposes Historic Remedies to Curb Google’s Search Monopoly

The Justice Department seeks structural and behavioral changes, including a possible Chrome browser divestiture, to restore competition in the search market.

• The DOJ has proposed a series of remedies to address Google’s search monopoly, including the forced sale of its Chrome browser and restrictions on anti-competitive practices.
• Judge Amit Mehta will review the proposals in 2025, with potential outcomes ranging from business practice adjustments to major structural changes for Google.
• Key remedies include banning exclusionary contracts, requiring Google to share search data with competitors, and prohibiting preferential treatment of its own services on Android and Chrome.
• The DOJ argues that divesting Chrome would reduce Google’s ability to self-preference its search engine, though concerns remain about who might acquire the browser and how it would impact competition.
• The proposal also includes data-sharing requirements to level the playing field for search competitors, while addressing privacy concerns and limiting Google's dominance in AI-related markets.

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The Verge CBC The American Prospect