HARRISBURG, PA — A bipartisan coalition of 38 state Attorneys General, joined by the U.S. Department of Justice, has proposed a final set of remedies to dismantle Google’s longstanding monopoly over internet search engines. If approved, the measures aim to restore competitive balance in the online search market, ultimately benefiting consumers across the nation.
The proposed resolutions address key concerns surrounding Google’s dominance as the default search engine on Android and Apple devices. Central to the proposal is a prohibition on Google’s practice of making payments to maintain its default status on these platforms. This move seeks to end barriers that prevent competition and introduce more diverse search options for consumers.
“This coalition strongly believes monopolistic practices like these have gone on for far too long,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. “Consumers deserve a market where they can access a variety of search tools, not one dictated by Google’s ability to control the system.”
Among the recommendations is the divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser. If initial remedies prove insufficient or Google fails to comply, a potential divestiture of Android is also under consideration. These structural changes aim to curtail the company’s power over distribution channels.
Further proposals include limits on Google’s ability to make exclusive deals and preliminary oversight of its financial involvement in emerging technologies such as generative AI. The coalition also seeks to require Google to share portions of its search index, advertisements, and user data with competitors for a targeted period. These measures are designed to foster competition without compromising user privacy or national security concerns.
The package marks the latest development following a significant legal ruling last year, in which a federal judge determined that Google has maintained its market dominance through anti-competitive practices.
A hearing to review the proposed remedies is scheduled from April 21 to May 9, with the coalition committing to rigorous enforcement of any approved resolutions. Led by Attorneys General from Colorado and Tennessee, the effort includes representatives from 36 other states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
If enacted, the measures are expected to redefine the online search landscape, ensuring a fairer, more competitive playing field for both consumers and emerging firms in the tech industry.
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