A new filing in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Google proposes significant steps to dismantle the company’s monopolistic control over search and advertising. The plaintiffs, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and state attorneys general, are pushing for structural changes to Google’s business after a court ruling found the tech giant guilty of illegal anticompetitive behavior.
The legal filing argues that Google has maintained monopolies in search services and digital advertising through unfair practices that stifle competition. In response to the court’s earlier decision, the DOJ and plaintiffs have outlined four key proposals aimed at curbing Google’s dominance.
Here are the four main recommendations:
- Severing Chrome from Google’s Business
One of the most notable proposals is to separate Google’s Chrome browser from its other operations. This could involve selling Chrome or spinning it off into an independent company, which would prevent Google from using the browser to further its monopolistic control. - Restricting Google’s Payments for Default Search Agreements
The filing seeks to limit Google’s ability to pay companies like Apple to make Google the default search engine on their devices. By reducing these payments, the DOJ hopes to diminish Google’s ability to secure exclusive and anticompetitive deals that lock out competitors. - Preventing Google from Prioritizing Its Own Products
The plaintiffs also want Google to stop favoring its own products in search results and other services. This would create a fairer, more competitive environment for other businesses and ensure that Google’s search engine operates without biased results. - Increasing Transparency in Google’s Advertising and Data Practices
Another proposal calls for increased transparency in Google’s advertising operations. The aim is to provide competitors with more access to vital information, creating a more level playing field. The filing specifically requests that Google be subject to continuous oversight, including monthly reports on changes to its search text ad auctions.
In addition, the plaintiffs propose real-time access to advertising data for advertisers, so they can better track and adjust their campaigns. This measure would prevent Google from withholding data or locking advertisers into its ecosystem by making it difficult to export historical data.
These changes are part of a broader effort to regulate Google’s advertising practices, ensuring fair competition and transparency in the digital ad space. Although this filing isn’t a final ruling, it outlines the remedies the plaintiffs believe should be implemented based on the court’s earlier decision that Google engaged in monopolistic behavior. The next step is for the court to determine how to move forward with these proposals.