Google Faces Major Antitrust Crackdown As It Aims To Regain Public Trust Over Dominant Search Market Role

Google Faces Major Antitrust Crackdown As It Aims To Regain Public Trust Over Dominant Search Market Role

Google Proposes Restrictions on Dominance in Search Market

A series of restrictions proposed by Google aims to mitigate concerns over its dominance in the search market. The proposal comes ahead of US District Judge Amit Mehta’s upcoming decision on whether Google violated federal antitrust laws by offering default search settings on mobile devices and browsers.

The proposal would limit Google’s ability to require device manufacturers, browser makers, and wireless carriers to distribute its search engine, Chrome browser, and Google Play app store on their devices. The company also cannot require partners to promote its generative AI Gemini Assistant chatbot as a condition of distributing these services.

Under the proposal, Google would be allowed to secure default search status on some Samsung phone models in the US while temporarily suspending a requirement that all of them do so. However, the company’s ability to promote Gemini would not be restricted. Instead, partners could still choose to work with rival AI companies like OpenAI.

The proposed restrictions are an attempt by Google to address concerns over its dominance in the search market. The Justice Department and several state attorneys general have argued that Google’s default settings helped it gain and maintain a monopoly on the search market.

Mehta’s decision on whether Google violated antitrust laws is expected to be released next August, but appeals are likely to follow, potentially delaying any curbs on Google’s dominance for years.

The emergence of ChatGPT and similar chatbots as competitors to traditional search engines has added complexity to the proceedings. The Justice Department seeks to ensure that Google does not transfer its dominance in old-school search to this emerging field.

Despite concerns over Google’s dominance, investors remain bullish on the company. Shares have gained over 37 percent in 2024, making it the eighth-best annual surge since going public 20 years ago.

The proposal underscored that Google is willing to make concessions to address concerns. However, the effectiveness of these restrictions remains uncertain.

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