The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to propose remedies by December 2024 in its antitrust case against Google for monopolizing the online search market. This follows a ruling that Google illegally maintained its dominance in search by using exclusive deals with companies like Apple to make its search engine the default option on devices. Prosecutors are considering various measures, including forcing Google to divest key business units, such as its Android mobile operating system, or halting the billions it spends annually to secure its search engine’s default position on smartphones and browsers.
At a court hearing in Washington, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist emphasized that the remedy would be comprehensive, factoring in Google’s plans for integrating artificial intelligence into its search operations. Google, which plans to appeal the ruling, is expected to challenge the proposed remedies and could seek input from competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI to argue against restrictions on its AI developments. A hearing is likely in the spring of 2025, with a ruling potentially coming by August next year.
More info: REUTERS: Google search monopoly US case remedies to come by December