US plans to breakup Google in landmark search case: Report

This comes after a landmark decision in August where a judge ruled that Google, responsible for 90 percent of internet searches in the US, had unlawfully cemented its dominance in the search market, according to the report.

In its push for remedies, the US Department of Justice's proposals aim to fundamentally change how Americans access information online, potentially reducing Google's revenue and opening the door for competitors to grow, the report added.

“Ending Google's control of distribution today and preventing it from dominating future distribution channels is essential,” the Justice Department stated.

One of the potential remedies being considered is stopping Google's payments to device manufacturers, such as Apple, which guarantee its search engine remains the default on smartphones and browsers.

In 2021 alone, these payments amounted to $26.3 billion, helping Google maintain its market share.

The Justice Department is also looking at ways to prevent Google from expanding its dominance into the growing artificial intelligence (AI) market, as reported by Reuters.

This could include making Google's search-related data, models, and AI tools accessible to competitors.

Other restrictions may prevent Google from entering exclusive agreements that limit AI competitors’ access to online content, while websites might be given the option to prevent Google from using their material to train AI models, according to reports.

Google, which plans to appeal the ruling, called these proposals "radical," arguing they exceed the case's scope.

The tech major insists its search engine remains popular due to its quality and faces competition from platforms like Amazon. Google also contends that users can easily switch to other search engines.

With a market value of over $2 trillion, Alphabet is facing multiple legal challenges.

Aside from this search monopoly case, Google was recently ordered to allow more competition in its Android app store.

The Justice Department is also pursuing a separate case seeking to dismantle Google’s online advertising business.

Prosecutors emphasized that their proposals are designed to prevent Google from continuing its dominant practices, particularly in the AI sector.

Google, however, warned that government intervention could harm the emerging AI industry by distorting incentives and investment at a critical moment for technological innovation, Reuters reported.

The Justice Department is expected to file a more detailed proposal by November 20, with Google given the opportunity to respond by December 20.

This case represents a significant victory for antitrust authorities, who have been pursuing Big Tech firms like Meta, Amazon, and Apple for allegedly holding monopolistic control in their respective industries, as per the report.

Some of Google’s smaller competitors, such as Yelp and DuckDuckGo, have voiced support for potential breakups.

Yelp, which has a pending lawsuit against Google over search practices, has suggested that divesting Google’s Chrome browser and AI services should be considered.

Yelp has also advocated for prohibiting Google from prioritizing its own local business listings in search results, according to Reuters.