The U.S. has intensified its scrutiny of Google’s Chrome stronghold, and the tech giant has responded with a counterattack. The U.S. Department of Justice scrutinises Google’s purported anti-competitive behaviour with Chrome, but the company is pushing back against the government’s latest move in a recent filing.
In a compelling statement, Google’s VP for regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, emphasized that any effective resolution must empower other browsers to negotiate freely with their preferred search engines, while also unveiling a unique solution that proposes allowing competitors to harness Search for enhanced user benefits and revenue generation.
Google expresses a desire for “flexibility,” proposing a solution that would enable various default agreements across platforms. It suggests that Apple could showcase a different search engine and browser on its devices and allow companies to exchange their “default” options yearly.
In its latest filing, Google challenges the DOJ’s drastic proposals, specifically the suggestion to sell Chrome, warning that such actions could ultimately hinder rather than boost competition.
In mid-November, it emerged that the Department of Justice and Judge Amit Mehta are pushing to compel Google to divest Chrome amid allegations of anti-competitive behaviour. This follows a groundbreaking ruling that deemed the tech giant an illegal search monopoly under Section 2 of the Sherman Act.
The DOJ’s demand that Google divest from major business segments, including Chrome and Android, stems from allegations that the tech giant has monopolized the market and muted its competitors.
