A coalition of 38 state attorneys general, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, together with the Justice Department, has put forward a final package of remedies aimed at dismantling Google's monopoly over internet search engines. This proposal is designed to foster competition for the benefit of consumers across the nation.
The revised Proposed Final Judgment aligns closely with what was initially submitted in November to a federal district court judge in D.C., who previously ruled that Google holds a monopolistic position in online search.
Attorney General Skrmetti stated, "We proved Google violated antitrust law in an epic federal trial. Now it’s time to solve the problem. Today’s proposed final remedies package holds Google accountable for its search monopoly and protects consumers by promoting competition."
Key elements of the proposal include banning all search-related payments to distribution partners like Apple and Android. Additionally, Google may be required to divest Chrome and potentially Android if initial measures are ineffective or if there is non-compliance. The government plaintiffs will have preliminary oversight of Google's future financial interests in online search and generative AI competitors to prevent monopolistic practices from extending into new technologies.
The decree also mandates that Google share certain parts of its search index, user data, and ads data with competitors temporarily while considering privacy concerns.
A hearing on these proposed remedies is set to begin on April 21st and conclude by May 9th.