Google Antitrust Case: DOJ Remedies Face Pushback

Google Responds to Antitrust Case with Alternative Proposal

In response to a recent antitrust lawsuit, Google has submitted its own counter-proposal. The U.S. Department of Justice had previously argued that Google should be compelled to divest its Chrome browser.

DOJ's Proposed Remedies

U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta determined in August that Google engaged in unlawful practices to sustain a monopoly within the online search market. Consequently, the DOJ suggested several potential solutions.

• The sale of the Chrome browser.
• The separation of its Android operating system.
• A ban on exclusive search agreements with both browser and mobile phone manufacturers.

Google's Counter-Argument

Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, presented the company’s alternative proposal on Friday. She asserted, via a blog post, that the DOJ’s plan embodies an overly assertive “interventionist agenda.”

Mulholland contends that the DOJ’s suggestions extend beyond the scope of the Court’s ruling. She believes the proposed remedies would negatively impact American consumers.

Concerns Regarding Consumer Privacy and Innovation

A significant concern raised by Google is the potential compromise of user privacy. The DOJ’s proposal, according to Google, could necessitate the sharing of private search data with both foreign and domestic competitors.

Furthermore, Google argues that the proposed restrictions would hinder its capacity to innovate and enhance its existing products. This could ultimately weaken America’s position as a global technology leader.

Google's Proposed Solutions

Instead of a forced sale or spinoff, Google suggests allowing search agreements with companies like Apple and Mozilla to continue. However, these partners would gain the flexibility to establish varying default search engines.

These differing defaults could be implemented across various platforms (such as iPhone versus iPad) and within different browsing modes.

Google also proposes increased autonomy for Android device manufacturers. They could preload multiple search engines and offer devices with pre-installed Google applications without requiring Google Search or Chrome.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Judge Mehta is anticipated to deliver a ruling on the appropriate remedies in the coming year. A hearing has been scheduled for April to discuss these matters further.

Mulholland indicated that Google intends to both negotiate over the remedies and appeal Judge Mehta’s August decision. She emphasized that outlining potential remedies is a necessary step prior to filing the appeal.