Accused of a monopoly by the US Department of Justice (DoJ), Google is faced with radical demands: sale of Chrome, modifications to Android and supervision by an independent committee. The Mountain View firm counterattacks, denouncing a threat to innovation, user security and the American digital economy.
What to remember:
- The DoJ wants to impose on Google the sale of Chrome and restrictions on Android following the antitrust trial.
- Google denounces government “micromanagement” which would harm innovation and privacy.
- An independent committee could supervise Google's services, severely limiting its autonomy.
- Google is fighting back and plans to submit its counterproposals in December.
Accusations of monopoly: what the DoJ criticizes Google
For the US Department of Justice, Google is guilty of foreclosing the online search and digital advertising marketas seen during the antitrust trial completed in August 2024 where Google was convicted of monopoly.
With a domination of more than 90% on the search market, the company would be responsible for anti-competitive practices, in particular via exclusive partnerships with Apple and Android.
The DoJ is calling for drastic measures to break this monopoly and promote fairer competition. Among the requirements are the separation of certain key services, like Chrome and Androidd, as well as the end of exclusive agreements with partners. The stated objective is to reduce Google's control over distribution channels, often accused of blocking the emergence of innovative competitors.
Drastic remedies to rebalance the market
The DoJ's proposals go well beyond minor adjustments. Here are the most significant measures:
- Sale of Chrome and restrictions on Android : Google could be forced to part with its flagship browser, Chrome, and to dissociate Android from its search engine.
- Disclosure of sensitive data : The company could be obliged to share certain technical innovations, or even users' personal requests, with third parties.
- External control via a technical committee : This committee would have the power to oversee certain design choices, such as the search engine selection screens on Android.
- Restrictions on advertising agreements : Advertisers would gain more control over the delivery of their campaigns, limiting Google's current practices.
These measures aim to open the market to increased competition, but they could also disrupt the global digital ecosystem.
Google's response: a virulent criticism and alternatives in preparation
Google was quick to react, denouncing measures it considers extreme. The company is calling it an unprecedented intervention that it says would directly harm consumers and innovation.
According to the firm, DoJ proposals jeopardize user security and privacy. The company warns of the risks of “mandatory disclosure of personal data and innovations to third-party companies“. It also highlights the impact on the quality of products, like Chrome or Android, which are integrated into the daily lives of millions of people.
The Mountain View giant is also worried about the future of artificial intelligence, a strategic area in which it considers itself a leader. “These constraints could seriously slow down our investments in one of the most important innovations of our time“, says Google. The company warns against loss of competitiveness compared to other global giants, particularly in Asia.
Google illustrates the complexity of the DoJ's requirements: “Imagine having to go through two committee-approved selection screens before you can use Google Search on a Pixel phone.” This “micromanagement”, according to the company, would directly harm the user experience and their autonomy in the development of new products.
Google therefore does not intend to stop there. The company will file in December its own recommendations to address DoJ concerns. The firm remains confident in its ability to demonstrate that these requirements “go far beyond what even the court order contemplated“.
A major turning point for global tech
The confrontation between Google and the DoJ represents a watershed moment for the technology industry. Behind these accusations of monopoly is a broader battle over the future of major digital platforms and their place in an increasingly regulated world.
Google, while denouncing these measures as an attack on innovation and American technological sovereignty, is preparing a solid defense. This affair could well redefine the rules of the game for the tech giants, and with them, the digital experience of millions of users. We can't wait to find out what happens next!
