Google Takes Steps to Address Antitrust Concerns
Google recently detailed its plan to address the antitrust accusations made by the Department of Justice. The company faced restrictions due to alleged violations, including favoring its own search engine on Android devices. Judge Amit Mehta determined that Google violated the Sherman Act Section 2 in August.
In a proposal filed by Google on Friday evening, the company acknowledged the ruling while expressing disagreement. Google proposed solutions to make its contracts with browser companies and Android device manufacturers more flexible. Here’s how Google plans to tackle the issue:
- The proposal would allow browser companies like Apple and Mozilla to continue offering Google Search to users, enabling them to earn revenue from the partnership. Companies could have multiple default agreements across different platforms, allowing diversity in search engines for users.
- Browsers would have the freedom to change their default search provider every 12 months, enhancing user choice and flexibility.
- Google also plans to provide device manufacturers with more options, allowing them to preload multiple search engines and Google apps independently of Chrome or Search.
Google intends to appeal the judge’s decision before the April hearing and will present a revised proposal on March 7. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s VP of regulatory affairs, criticized the DOJ’s proposal in a blog post, calling it “overboard” and emphasizing an “interventionist agenda.”
It is evident that Google is taking proactive steps to address the antitrust concerns raised by the Department of Justice. By proposing flexible agreements with partners and demonstrating a commitment to user choice, Google is striving to navigate the challenges of antitrust regulations effectively.
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