ALBAWABA – The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it is considering the breakup of Google, the American multinational corporation and technology company focusing on online advertising, search engine technology, cloud computing, computer software, quantum computing, e-commerce, consumer electronics, and artificial intelligence, in response to an antitrust case.
Google breakup
The United States Department of Justice made recommendations regarding Google's search engine business practices. The department stated it is considering a breakup of Google tech giant in response to an antitrust case following a request from a federal judge.
Notably, a US federal judge announced in August 2024 that Google holds a monopoly in the search market, following a previous case from 2020. According to the court, Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, which prohibits monopolies, and maintained its market share by creating strong barriers to entry and establishing a feedback loop that reinforces its dominance.
The Department of Justice said in a statement: “Google’s unlawful conduct persisted for over a decade and involved a number of self-reinforcing tactics.”
The DOJ stated that Google utilizes its other products, including the Chrome browser and Android operating system, to direct users to its search engine in order to generate revenue from advertising sales.
Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, which prohibits monopolies, and maintained its market share by creating strong barriers to entry and establishing a feedback loop that reinforces its dominance. (Shutterstock)
Google breakup strategically means splitting the company into several smaller and independent companies. This breakup aims to limit Google’s dominance in the search market and provide competitors with a fair opportunity to compete.
Analysts suggest that Google could be divided into two main companies as per the proposed regulations: one specializing in the Android mobile operating system and the other focusing on the Google Chrome web browser.
DOJ recommendations on Google’s breakup
The Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed several recommendations to avoid the breakup of Google and prevent the misuse of its products, including the Chrome browser and the Android Play Store.
DOJ proposed banning default agreements to search and search-related products, including Google’s search site agreements with iPhones and Samsung devices.
Another proposed idea is to introduce the ‘choice screen’ that would allow users to select their preferred search engine, helping to stop Google’s dominance.
Following recent laws, Google announced its appeal against the decision of the Department of Justice. The court stated it will accept the appeal and order Google to end some of its exclusive agreements, including the one with Apple, according to CNBC.
