US DOJ May Force Google to Break Up Its Business
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The US Department of Justice (DOJ) might be getting ready to shake things up for Google. After years of dominating the online search world, Google could soon face major changes, with the DOJ looking to break up its control over key products like Android and Chrome.
This all stems from a long-running antitrust case, where Google has been labeled a "monopolist" in online search. To level the playing field, the DOJ is considering forcing Google to break apart some of its services. The idea is to reduce Google’s grip on the online search market by having it separate its Android and Chrome divisions into independent businesses.
Recently, the DOJ outlined its plans, which include limiting Google’s ability to lock device manufacturers into agreements that require them to pre-install Google’s apps, like Chrome and the Play Store. This type of setup, known as the Android Compatibility Commitment (ACC), has helped Google maintain its dominance in mobile platforms.
If these recommendations go through, Google might have to sell off its Android and Chrome operations. That means the way we use our phones and the apps we rely on every day could look very different in the near future.
Google Pushes Back
Google isn’t happy about these possible changes. The company warned that splitting up its services could have serious consequences for consumers and businesses alike. They argue that making these changes could stifle innovation and hurt the country’s competitiveness, especially in the fast-paced tech world.
In a blog post, Google’s VP of Regulatory Affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, voiced concerns that these new rules could end up hurting users by forcing Google to share sensitive search data with competitors. She also mentioned that if Chrome and Android are no longer part of Google, they may not remain free and open-source, which could change how people use them.
Mulholland further noted that new competitors, like AI-driven search engines such as Perplexity AI, are already starting to chip away at Google’s dominance. She pointed out that while AI might take some market share from Google, it could also help the company argue that the search landscape is evolving on its own.
What’s Next?
The DOJ’s final recommendations are expected by November 2024, with more revisions possible in early 2025. Google plans to fight back, aiming to defend its current business model. However, the DOJ seems set on making changes that could reshape not just Google, but how the entire tech world operates.
If Google loses this battle, it could mark a turning point in how we interact with technology. The way we search, the apps we use, and even how our phones function could be impacted, leaving the tech landscape in a very different place than it is today.
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