The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicated that it is considering a breakup of Google as a possible remedy to address the tech giant’s monopoly in the search engine market. The DOJ’s latest recommendations suggest significant changes to Google’s business practices, aiming to curb its dominance in search and search-related products.
The DOJ’s filing highlighted the need for measures that could include contract requirements, non-discrimination product rules, and data and interoperability requirements. It also suggested structural changes, potentially breaking up parts of Google to prevent it from leveraging products like Chrome, Play, and Android to promote its own search services over competitors, including in areas like artificial intelligence.
One major focus of the DOJ’s recommendations is limiting or prohibiting Google’s default agreements with other companies, such as its costly search position deals with Apple’s iPhone and Samsung devices. It suggested implementing a “choice screen” that would allow users to select from different search engines, aiming to end Google’s control over search distribution.
This move comes after a U.S. judge ruled in August that Google holds a monopoly in the search market, violating the Sherman Act by creating barriers to entry that sustained its dominance. Despite Google’s plans to appeal, the DOJ’s recommendations are seen as a direct attempt to reshape the competitive landscape in the tech industry.
Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs, emphasized the high quality of Google’s products while expressing plans to challenge the ruling. Meanwhile, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, criticized the DOJ’s approach, calling the recommendations “radical” and warning that breaking up key products like Chrome or Android could have unintended negative consequences.
Legal experts believe that while a complete breakup of Google seems unlikely, the court may require Google to abandon certain exclusive agreements. Judge Amit Mehta is expected to rule on the remedies by August 2025, and any appeal by Google could delay the final outcome for several years.