📢 Breaking News: The U.S. government is calling on tech giant Google to sell its Chrome browser and share its search data with competitors in a bold move to end the company's internet search monopoly.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) argued to a judge on Wednesday that Alphabet's Google has maintained an illegal monopoly on online search and related advertising, controlling about 90% of the market. They believe drastic measures are needed to level the playing field.
\"Google's unlawful behavior has deprived rivals not only of critical distribution channels but also distribution partners who could otherwise enable entry into these markets by competitors in new and innovative ways,\" the DOJ stated.
The proposed changes would see Google highly regulated for the next 10 years, under the watchful eye of a Washington federal court. The DOJ's demands are extensive, including barring Google from re-entering the browser market for five years and potentially forcing the sale of its Android mobile operating system if competition isn’t restored.
Google isn't taking this lightly. The company called the proposals radical, claiming they would harm U.S. consumers and businesses and shake American competitiveness in artificial intelligence. They've vowed to appeal the decision.
The DOJ has also requested that Google be prohibited from buying or investing in any search rivals, query-based AI products, or advertising technology. Additionally, they want to end exclusive agreements where Google pays billions to Apple and other device vendors to make its search engine the default on their tablets and smartphones.
But wait, there's more! Google will have a chance to present its own proposals in December. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has scheduled a trial on the proposals for April. However, with President-elect Donald Trump and the DOJ's next antitrust head possibly stepping in, the course of the case could change.
This move could shake up the tech world 🌐. For all the tech lovers and entrepreneurs out there, keep an eye on this space! 👀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
