State attorneys general and the Justice Department have put forward a comprehensive plan to dismantle Google's monopoly over internet search engines, aiming to foster competition and benefit consumers. This proposal follows a December 2020 lawsuit by Attorney General William Tong and a bipartisan group of 38 state attorneys general. They accused Google of maintaining its dominance in the search engine market through anticompetitive practices. This legal action complemented an earlier federal antitrust lawsuit initiated by the Justice Department in October 2020.
In August 2024, a D.C. federal district court judge determined that Google had violated federal antitrust laws by sustaining its monopoly in online search and related advertisements. The focus now shifts to the remedies that will be implemented to halt Google's anti-competitive behavior, restore market competition, and protect consumer interests.
Attorney General Tong stated, “For far too long, Google has used its monopoly power over online search to deprive consumers and businesses of choice, innovation and privacy. Those days are numbered.” He emphasized that their proposed final judgment includes "a series of fair and workable remedies to end Google’s illegal monopoly and restore competition."
The proposed final judgment (PFJ) aims to terminate Google's exclusive contracts and revenue-sharing agreements by preventing payments for being the default search engine on devices or browsers. Additionally, Google is required to share data obtained through its monopolistic practices with competitors while ensuring privacy protection.
The PFJ also calls for divesting Chrome, the browser responsible for many Google searches. If specific conditions are unmet or if remedies fail, further divestitures such as the Android operating system could be considered.
Furthermore, the PFJ bars Google from obstructing competition or giving preferential treatment within its products like Android. It prohibits making Google Search or AI mandatory on Android devices or undermining competitors' distribution efforts. Publishers can opt out of having their data collected for Google's AI model training.
States propose an educational campaign funded by Google to inform users about Google's actions, why they were illegal, and available search engine alternatives. This campaign might include short-term financial incentives for trying non-Google search engines.
To oversee these measures over ten years, a five-member technical committee will be established. A hearing regarding these proposed remedies is set from April 22 to May 2, 2025.