The proposals from the Department of Justice are central to a significant case in Washington that could fundamentally alter how users access information online.
If implemented, these measures would remain in effect for up to ten years, overseen by a court-appointed committee to address what the presiding judge has identified as an illegal monopoly in search and related advertising in the United States, where Google handles 90% of all searches.
The DOJ and state antitrust officials stated in a court filing that "Google's unlawful conduct has not only restricted rivals from essential distribution channels but has also limited potential distribution partners that could facilitate market entry for competitors in innovative ways."
Among the suggested actions is the termination of exclusive contracts in which Google pays billions each year to Apple and other device manufacturers to ensure its search engine is the default option on their smartphones and tablets.
In response, Google described the proposals as staggering in a statement released on Thursday.
"DOJ's strategy would lead to unprecedented government intervention that would negatively impact American consumers, developers, and small businesses, while also threatening the United States' global economic and technological leadership at a critical time," stated Kent Walker, Chief Legal Officer of Alphabet.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has set a trial date for these proposals in April, although the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump and the new head of the DOJ's antitrust division may alter the trajectory of the case.
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
The proposals encompass a variety of measures, including a five-year ban on Google re-entering the browser market and a requirement for Google to divest its Android mobile operating system if other solutions do not effectively restore competition. Additionally, the DOJ has sought to prevent Google from acquiring or investing in competing search engines, query-based AI products, or advertising technologies.
Publishers and websites would also have the option to opt out of being utilized in the training of Google's AI systems.
A five-member technical committee, appointed by the judge, would oversee compliance with the prosecutors' recommendations. Funded by Google, this committee would possess the authority to request documents, conduct employee interviews, and examine software code, as indicated in the filing.
These measures aim to disrupt "a continuous feedback loop that further solidifies Google's dominance" by increasing its user base, data, and advertising revenue, according to prosecutors.
CHROME AND ANDROID
Chrome stands as the most widely utilized web browser globally and is a cornerstone of Google's operations, supplying user data that enhances the company's ability to target advertisements more effectively and profitably.
Prosecutors have argued that Google has leveraged Chrome and Android to favor its own search engine, negatively impacting competitors.
Google contends that forcing it to divest Chrome and Android, which are based on open-source code and offered at no cost, would adversely affect companies that have built their products on these platforms.
The proposals would prevent Google from mandating that devices operating on Android include its search or AI products.
Google would have the option to sell the software as an alternative to compliance, with any potential buyers requiring approval from the DOJ and state antitrust regulators.
Google will have the opportunity to submit its own proposals in December.
DATA SHARING
Under the proposed regulations, Google would be obligated to license its search results to rival companies at a minimal fee and provide user data it collects to these competitors at no cost. Additionally, Google would be prohibited from gathering any user information that it cannot share due to privacy issues.
These proposals were developed by prosecutors after consultations with companies competing against Google, including the search engine DuckDuckGo.
"This is a significant development that we believe will reduce barriers to competition," stated Kamyl Bazbaz, DuckDuckGo's head of public affairs.
DuckDuckGo has accused Google of attempting to evade European Union regulations that mandate data sharing. In response, Google has asserted that it will not jeopardize user trust by disclosing sensitive information to its competitors.