Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with a bipartisan coalition of 38 state attorneys general and the Justice Department, has submitted a final package of remedies to address Google's monopoly in internet search engines. This move aims to restore competition for the benefit of consumers.
In December 2020, Attorney General Ellison and the coalition filed a lawsuit alleging that Google maintained its monopoly power through anticompetitive contracts and conduct. A D.C. federal district court judge ruled in August 2024 that Google violated federal antitrust laws by maintaining this monopoly. Following this decision, an initial package of remedies was submitted in November 2024.
The revised proposed final judgment was filed today, seeking to end Google's improper conduct and illegal monopoly. The proposal remains consistent with the initial submission from November.
Attorney General Ellison stated, "A strong economy needs competition, which includes competitive prices, innovation, and a fair playing field. Without that, consumers and businesses who play by the rules have unfair outcomes." He added that breaking Google's search monopoly would improve search results quality for Minnesotans and provide more options for search advertising.
The proposed remedies include banning all search-related payments to distribution partners like Apple and Android partners. Google would also be required to divest Chrome, with potential divestiture of Android if necessary. Additionally, government plaintiffs would review Google's future financial interests in online search and generative AI competitors temporarily. The decree would require Google to share parts of its search index data with competitors while considering privacy concerns.
A hearing on these proposed remedies is scheduled from April 22 to May 2.
Minnesota consumers and businesses can report antitrust issues online via the Antitrust Report Form or contact the Attorney General’s Office at (651) 296-3353 (Metro area), (800) 657-3787 (Greater Minnesota), or (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).