DOJ intends to present a proposal by December outlining the steps Google must take to restore competition in the online search market.
Although specific remedies were not disclosed, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist emphasised the need for a broad approach.
Dahlquist hinted that potential remedies could include requiring Google to divest certain business units.
Google may be asked to make some serious changes in the way it operates as a consequence of a recent ruling which found it guilty of monopolising the search space. The tech giant seems to have a difficult year where it has found itself in multiple troubles starting with the implementation of its new Gemini model to its anti-competition practices in different fields.
Now, as per new reports, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to present a proposal by December outlining the steps Google must take to restore competition in the online search market, following a court ruling that the company illegally monopolised the space. This was revealed during a court hearing in Washington on Friday.
Although specific remedies were not disclosed, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist emphasised the need for a broad approach, particularly in light of Google’s plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its search functions. He noted that since the case began, Google has rebranded its AI product from Bard to Gemini, raising questions about the company’s future strategies in AI integration.
Also read: Is Google killing publishers? Major concerns raised around how AI Overviews work
Some of the early results from Gemini were found both culturally inappropriate and factually incorrect. The same also reflected in the recently introduced AI Overviews.
Dahlquist hinted that potential remedies could include requiring Google to divest certain business units, such as its Android mobile operating system, or halting the substantial payments made to smartphone manufacturers to ensure Google’s search engine remains the default on devices and browsers.
Also read: UK watchdog accuses Google of anti-competitive practices in online ad market
In response, Google’s attorney, John Schmidtlein, stated the company requires a detailed proposal from prosecutors to prepare its defense. He also indicated that Google may seek information from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI to formulate counter-arguments regarding AI search.
Google has announced plans to appeal the ruling, while US District Judge Amit Mehta suggested a hearing could take place in the spring, with a final decision expected by next August.
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