Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), has proposed a final set of remedies to address Google's monopoly in internet search engines. This proposal aims to restore competition and benefit consumers by dismantling barriers to entry.
Raoul stated, "Our remedies included in this revised proposal ensures Google cannot maintain its monopoly as an online search engine." He emphasized the importance of providing consumers with alternatives and ensuring that their online searches yield results that best meet their needs.
The lawsuit against Google was initially filed in 2020 by Raoul and other attorneys general, alleging that Google maintained its monopoly through anticompetitive contracts and conduct. This action complemented a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by the DOJ in October 2020.
In August 2024, a D.C. federal district court judge ruled that Google violated federal antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly in online search engines and search text ads. The current focus is on determining appropriate remedies to end Google's improper conduct and restore competition.
The proposed judgment includes banning all search-related payments to distribution partners like Apple and Android. It also requires Google to divest Chrome, with potential divestiture of Android if initial remedies are ineffective or if compliance issues arise.
Additionally, the proposal mandates that Google share specific portions of its search index user data and ads data with competitors for a limited time. This approach considers privacy concerns and national security while addressing unlawful data acquisition through monopoly power.
Attorneys general from various states and territories have joined Attorney General Raoul in this legal effort against Google.