U.S. Justice Department Seeks Breakup of Google Over Monopoly Concerns
By Michael Liedtke, Associated Press
November 20, 2024
In a decisive move to tackle antitrust issues, U.S. regulators have urged a federal judge to break up Google, after a court ruling deemed the tech giant’s practices monopolistic over the past decade. The 23-page proposal, filed by the Justice Department late Wednesday, recommends significant changes, including the divestment of Google’s Chrome web browser and restrictions on its Android software that currently favors its search engine.
This initiative follows an August ruling by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who characterized Google as a monopolist. The Justice Department’s recommendations reflect the administration’s stringent position on Big Tech, particularly under President Joe Biden. With the Washington, D.C. court hearings on Google’s fate set to begin in April, Mehta aims to finalize his decision by Labor Day.
Should the judge accept the proposed measures, which also include preventing Google from securing lucrative default search engine deals on platforms like Apple’s iPhone and obligating data sharing with competitors, Google is likely to appeal, extending an already lengthy legal battle.
As discussions unfold, a possible shift in leadership under President-elect Donald Trump may influence the outcome. Trump has expressed concerns that breaking up Google could have negative repercussions but has not clarified alternative solutions. His nominee for U.S. Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, has previously called for similar measures against Big Tech.
The proposed breakup echoes a historic antitrust case against Microsoft, with experts uncertain about whether the courts will follow a similar path. As the Justice Department takes a more aggressive stance, the future of Google’s operations and its $300 billion revenue stream hangs in the balance, raising pivotal questions about competition in the tech industry.
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