In a newly released 32 page filing, the Department of Justice contemplated breaking up Google as a remedial action against its alleged monopoly in search and advertising.
The filing said that remedies were essential to "prevent and restrain monopoly maintenance could include contract requirements and prohibitions, non-discrimination product requirements, data and interoperability requirements, and structural requirements.
The DOJ stated that behavioural and structural measures would inhibit Google from using products such as Chrome, Play, and Android to favour Google search and associated products and features — including nascent search access points and artificial intelligence-related features — over those of rivals or new market entrants.
The DOJ proposed restricting or prohibiting default agreements and "other revenue-sharing arrangements related to search and search-related products." This would encompass Google's search position agreements with Apple's iPhone and Samsung devices, resulting in multi-billion-dollar payouts annually.
One suggested approach is implementing a "choice screen," permitting users to select from various search engines. Such measures would disrupt "Google's control of distribution today" and ensure "Google cannot control tomorrow's distribution."
The potential breakup of Google under these antitrust considerations highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory bodies and dominant tech corporations, marking a significant development in the broader discourse on digital market regulation.