Google responded late Friday to a request from the US government to sell its Chrome browser.
The company suggested that instead of a sale, a judge should address antitrust concerns by prohibiting Google from requiring favorable treatment for its software as a condition for licensing popular apps like Chrome, Play, or Gemini.
In November, the US government requested that a judge order the dismantling of Google by requiring the sale of its widely used Chrome browser as part of a significant antitrust crackdown on the company.
The US Department of Justice has called for changes to Google’s business practices, including banning agreements that make Google the default search engine on smartphones and preventing the company from exploiting its Android mobile operating system.
The next phase of the landmark antitrust trial will determine how to address the issues related to Google’s monopoly, a decision made in August by US District Court Judge Amit Mehta.
Google’s proposal suggests that Judge Mehta should prohibit the company from using the desirability of its applications to compel mobile device manufacturers to pre-install its search software or to make it the default option, according to a court filing.
“Nothing in this Final Judgment shall otherwise prohibit Google from providing consideration to a mobile device manufacturer or wireless carrier with respect to any Google product or service in exchange for such entity’s distribution, placement on any access point, promotion, or licensing of that Google product or service,” the proposed order stipulates.
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Calling for the breakup of Google marks a profound change by the US government’s regulators, which have largely left tech giants alone since failing to break up Microsoft two decades ago.
Regardless of Judge Mehta’s eventual decision, Google is expected to appeal the ruling, prolonging the process for years and potentially leaving the final say to the US Supreme Court.
The case could also be upended by the arrival of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House in January.
His administration will likely replace the current team in charge of the Justice Department’s antitrust division.
The newcomers could choose to carry on with the case, ask for a settlement with Google or abandon the case altogether.
The trial, which concluded last year, scrutinized Google’s confidential agreements with smartphone manufacturers, including Apple.
These deals involve substantial payments to secure Google’s search engine as the default option on browsers, iPhones and other devices.
The judge determined that this arrangement provided Google with unparalleled access to user data, enabling it to develop its search engine into a globally dominant platform.
AFP
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