US Department of Justice Could Force Google To Break Up Following Monopoly Ruling

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As someone who’s grown up in the digital age, I can’t help but feel a sense of vindication as I read about the potential breakup of Google. For years, I’ve felt like a small fish swimming against a giant current, struggling to find alternatives to Google’s all-encompassing services.

The U.S. Department of Justice might request a federal judge to compel Google to split up following a recent decision which classified their search engine as an unlawful monopoly.

Recently, a judge determined that Google had invested massive sums to secure its position as the global default search engine, an act deemed against fair competition (antitrust) laws. One possible remedy could involve Alphabet, Google’s parent company, divesting from certain business sectors.

On Tuesday, the government revealed potential measures they might require Google to implement, which include both behavioral and structural changes. These suggested actions range from selling specific assets, terminating exclusive agreements with Apple and Samsung, to ending the practice of paying these companies in order for Google to be the default search engine on their devices. Furthermore, Google may also need to make adjustments such as discontinuing this arrangement.

Another approach involved compelling Google to reduce their data collection activities and prohibit them from utilizing other sites to enhance the AI-generated search results they deliver.

Google has dominated the most significant distribution platforms for over a decade, which discourages competition among rivals to attract users. To effectively address these issues, it’s not just about taking away Google’s control now, but also making sure that Google won’t control future distribution channels.

By August 2025, a federal judge is anticipated to announce the measures that Google needs to implement as a result of their decision.

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2024-10-10 18:27