The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently concluded a remedies hearing regarding its antitrust case against Google, which won a court ruling in August 2024 stating that Google operates as a monopolist. The DOJ’s proposed remedies include requiring Google to divest its Chrome browser and ceasing promotional deals related to Google Search.
In response, Google has labeled these remedies as “extreme” and detrimental to consumers and the country’s technological leadership. The court is currently in the process of determining the necessary measures Google must implement to address its monopoly status.
During the hearings, the DOJ asserted that Google’s promotional agreements, including the multi-billion-dollar deal with Apple to make Google Search the default browser on iPhones, contribute to its anti-competitive practices. However, Google argues that such agreements are part of the natural evolution of competition and cites other companies entering similar partnerships to illustrate this point.
Support for Google was voiced by executives from companies benefiting from its search payments. Notably, Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, mentioned that advancements in artificial intelligence are already diminishing Google’s dominance.
Mozilla executives also expressed that without Google’s financial support, their browser Firefox would struggle to survive. In its blog post, Google warned that divesting Chrome could severely compromise the browser’s functionality and integrity.
The outcome of the remedies hearing is expected soon, with Judge Amit Mehta poised to announce the necessary changes Google must undertake to comply with the antitrust ruling.