In a significant turn of events, Google has put forward its own proposal amidst the ongoing antitrust case led by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The case revolves around accusations of Google’s monopolistic practices in online search, with a ruling by US District Court Judge Amit Mehta in August finding Google guilty of illegal actions to maintain its dominance.

The DOJ’s proposed remedies to counter this monopoly are extensive. They include the sale of Google’s Chrome browser, the separation of its Android operating system, and the cessation of exclusive search agreements with other browser and phone companies. These measures aim to dismantle Google’s stronghold on the market.

“The DOJ’s proposal reflects an interventionist agenda that goes far beyond what the Court’s decision is actually about,” wrote Lee-Anne Mullholland, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, in a blog post.

Lee-Anne Mullholland

Mullholland argues that these drastic steps could harm consumers and weaken America’s position in global tech leadership. She pointed out concerns like potentially sharing private search data with competitors and curbing innovation.

• Google suggests retaining the ability to make search deals with companies like Apple and Mozilla, but with flexibility for different defaults across platforms.
• They propose allowing Android device manufacturers more leeway in pre-loading multiple search engines and apps without tying them to Google Search or Chrome.

The court is set to deliberate further on these remedies next year, with an April hearing on the horizon. Meanwhile, Google plans not only to negotiate on these remedies but also to appeal Judge Mehta’s decision.

Mullholland emphasizes that before any appeal can proceed, “the legal process requires that the parties outline what remedies would best respond to the Court’s decision.”