The Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed major structural remedies to address Google’s antitrust violations in the search engine market, including potentially forcing the company to sell Chrome. Late Friday, Google responded with its own set of proposed fixes, focusing on changes to its business practices rather than divestitures.
Google’s proposal centers on altering its payments to companies like Apple and Mozilla for exclusive search placements, adjusting licensing deals with Android phone manufacturers, and revising contracts with wireless carriers. However, it notably avoids addressing the DOJ’s suggestion that Google share its search data with competitors to help level the playing field. According to Google’s regulatory VP, Lee-Anne Mulholland, the remedies target search distribution contracts specifically, as those were the focus of the ruling.
For three years, Google’s proposal would block it from tying licenses for its core apps—such as Chrome, Search, and Google Play—to the preinstallation of other apps like Google Assistant or the Gemini AI assistant. The company would also agree to limits on exclusive default search agreements, allowing multiple deals across platforms or browsing modes with annual reviews.
Google still intends to appeal Judge Amit Mehta’s ruling, which labeled the company as a monopolist that maintained its monopoly through illegal practices. Meanwhile, it plans to submit a revised proposal by March 7th, ahead of the trial set for April, signaling its commitment to resolving the issue without resorting to drastic measures like divestitures.