US officials have confirmed they are considering breaking up Google’s “illegal monopoly” on internet search.
The US Department of Justice said the tech giant could face restrictions on its products, including the Chrome browser, Play Store and Android operating system.
The ruling comes after a judge found in August that the company violated antitrust laws in securing its dominance in online search.
Officials have now outlined a series of proposals to break up the company’s monopoly in a court filing.
Plan contains blocks google You no longer have to pay another tech company to pre-install their search engine or set it as the default option on new devices.
The company paid more than $26bn (£20bn) to companies including the iPhone maker in 2021. apple As part of your practice.
“To fully redress these harms, we need to not only end Google’s control of distribution today, but also ensure that Google no longer controls distribution tomorrow,” a Justice Department spokesperson said.
Google said the court application was part of a “long process” and confirmed it would appeal the ruling.
Leanne Mulholland, the company’s vice president of regulation, said the proposed “fundamental changes” went too far and accused the U.S. government of having a “broad agenda that affects many industries and products.” did.
He added that the move would jeopardize user privacy and security, hinder the development of the company’s artificial intelligence products, and “break” software such as Android.
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Government announcement coming Following a previous report Officials are reportedly considering moves to challenge Google’s monopoly.
Meanwhile, in a separate lawsuit Monday, a judge ordered Google to open up its app store to greater competition, including by making Android apps available from rival sources.
Judge James Donato said the company should stop requiring apps on the Play Store to use its own payment system.
This judgment follows a legal battle between: Google and Epic Gamesmaking the popular video game Fortnite more than in-app purchases.
