DOJ Challenges Google: Chrome Divestment and Antitrust Remedies Proposed

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has unveiled a list of measures to address Google’s alleged antitrust violationsand restore competition in the search engine market. Among the proposed remedies is a potential requirement for Google to divest its Chrome browser.

Late Friday, Google issued a counterproposal, outlining alternative solutions. The company suggested modifications to its payment arrangements with partners like Apple and Mozilla, adjustments to its Android licensing agreements, and changes to its contracts with wireless carriers. However, Google’s plan notably does not address the DOJ’s recommendation to share search data with competitors to level the playing field.

Google’s Proposed Remedies

Google’s proposal focuses on addressing concerns highlighted in a recent antitrust ruling, which scrutinised its agreements with Apple, Mozilla, Android phone manufacturers, and wireless carriers.

• For three years, Google would refrain from tying licenses for core apps like Chrome, Search, and Google Play to the preinstallation of other apps, including Google Assistant and Gemini AI Assistant.
• The company suggested allowing payments for default search placement in browsers, with flexibility for multiple agreements across platforms or browsing modes.
• Annual reviews of these agreements were proposed to ensure greater competition and flexibility.

Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, emphasized in a blog post that the remedies align with the scope of the DOJ’s concerns regarding search distribution contracts.

Appeal and Next Steps

Despite its proposed remedies, Google plans to appeal Judge Amit Mehta’s ruling, which identified the company as a monopolist using anti-competitive practices to maintain dominance. The company will submit a revised proposal by March 7, ahead of a two-week trial scheduled for April to address the specifics of its remedies.

DOJ’s Stance and Expectations

The DOJ’s proposed measures underscore its commitment to fostering competition in the search engine market. While Google’s counterproposal addresses some issues, it falls short of the DOJ’s demands, particularly the sharing of search data with competitors.

As the trial approaches, both parties aim to negotiate a resolution that addresses competition concerns while maintaining innovation and accessibility in the digital landscape.