The Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed a major plan to force Google to sell parts of its business, which could lead to the first significant corporate breakup in 40 years. The move follows a recent court ruling that found the search engine giant violated antitrust laws by using exclusive contracts to stifle competition.
The move comes as a judge previously ruled Google’s search contracts with companies like Apple violated antitrust laws.
The DOJ and state attorneys filed a 32-page proposal with District Judge Amit Mehta, suggesting measures to address Google’s search and search advertising monopolies.
They targeted four areas:
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In search distribution, it suggests eliminating default search agreements and separating Chrome, Play, or Android from Google.
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In data access, it mandates sharing Google’s search index and data and limiting the use of non-shareable data to protect privacy.
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In search monopoly, it suggests limiting Google’s contracts that restrict competitors’ access to web content and lets publishers opt out of AI use.
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In advertising practices, it proposes restructuring Google’s advanced ad tools and ensuring greater transparency for advertisers.
In response, Google argued that the breakup could disrupt services like Android and Chrome and harm user experience.
If implemented, the ruling could reshape how millions access the internet and influence future antitrust cases involving other tech giants like Amazon and Meta.
However, any such ruling will not take place until August 2025.