Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jadetimes Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.
Tech Giant Suggests Changes Amid Ongoing Antitrust Battle
Alphabet's Google has proposed a series of measures to address allegations of its monopoly in the online search market. These proposals include limiting revenue-sharing agreements with companies like Apple, which currently make Google the default search engine on their devices and browsers.
The recommendations come as part of Google's efforts to address concerns raised during its high-profile antitrust case in the United States.
Background: The Antitrust Ruling
In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had unlawfully stifled competition in the search engine market. This landmark decision marked a significant blow to Google's dominance in the online search ecosystem. The tech giant, however, has vowed to appeal the ruling, continuing its legal battle against claims of anti-competitive practices.
Google's Proposed Remedies
In a legal filing submitted last Friday, Google outlined its counterproposals, which it argues strike a balance between addressing competition concerns and maintaining operational flexibility.
Key elements of Google's proposals include:
- Revenue-Sharing Agreements: Google suggests retaining these contracts but with stricter limits to ensure fair competition.
- Platform-Specific Default Search Options: Allowing different default search engines to be set for various platforms and browsing modes.
- Regular Default Search Changes: Ensuring that partners can change their default search provider at least once every 12 months.
Google argues that these measures would expand consumer choice while allowing the company to continue partnering with device makers and browsers.
Justice Department's Sweeping Recommendations
Google's proposals differ significantly from the more aggressive remedies suggested by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Last month, the DOJ recommended that the court force Google to cease all revenue-sharing contracts entirely.
The DOJ also proposed a more dramatic measure: requiring Google to divest its Chrome browser, which dominates the market as the world's most widely used web browser.
Google's Response to DOJ's Demands
In its filing, Google criticized the DOJ's recommendations as "overbroad" and argued that they would harm not only the company but also its partners and consumers. The tech giant emphasized that even its own proposed remedies would impose significant costs on its partnerships and operations.
Google currently controls about 90% of the global online search market, according to data from web traffic analysis platform Statcounter.
What’s Next in the Antitrust Case?
Judge Mehta will now evaluate the proposed remedies from both sides, with a decision expected by August. This ruling will determine the long-term implications for Google’s business practices and its position in the search engine market.
As the case progresses, the stakes remain high for Google, its partners, and the broader tech industry, where questions of market dominance and fair competition continue to spark debate.
Comments