Attorney General Mayes, alongside other state attorneys general and the Justice Department, has put forward a set of remedies aimed at dismantling Google's monopoly over internet search engines. The move seeks to reintroduce competition in the digital marketplace for the benefit of consumers.
“This bipartisan effort reflects a shared commitment to restoring fair competition in the digital marketplace,” stated Attorney General Mayes. “By ending Google’s illegal monopoly, we can ensure consumers have real choices and that businesses can compete on a level playing field.”
The initiative stems from a lawsuit filed in December 2020 by former Attorney General Brnovich and 38 state attorneys general. They accused Google of maintaining its search engine monopoly through anticompetitive practices. This lawsuit complemented an earlier federal antitrust suit initiated by the Justice Department in October 2020.
In August 2024, a D.C. federal district court ruled that Google had breached federal antitrust laws by sustaining its dominance in online search and text ads unlawfully. The current focus is on determining suitable remedies to rectify Google's anti-competitive conduct.
The proposed judgment aims to terminate Google's contracts that establish it as the default search engine on various devices and browsers. Additionally, Google must share data acquired through its monopoly with competitors while ensuring personal privacy is protected.
Further proposals include divesting Chrome and potentially the Android operating system if Google fails to adhere to or if remedies prove ineffective. The judgment also prohibits Google from using its control over products like Android to stifle competition or self-preference.
States suggest a public education campaign funded by Google to inform consumers about their search engine options and possibly provide payments for trying alternatives.
A technical committee will oversee these remedies for ten years, with hearings scheduled between April 22 and May 2, 2025.
Arizona joins several states in this legal action against Google.