From Investing.com: 2024-11-21 01:20:53

Alphabet’s Google faces pressure to sell Chrome browser, share data with rivals, and possibly divest Android to end online search monopoly. Department of Justice presents measures to reshape user information access, with proposals including ending exclusive agreements with device vendors. Google calls proposals staggering, while legal battle looms in April. Technical committee proposed for enforcement.

Proposals include barring Google from re-entering browser market for five years, selling Android if competition isn’t restored, and prohibiting investments in search rivals. Publishers could opt out of Google’s AI training. Technical committee would ensure compliance and have investigative powers. Aim is to break Google’s dominance feedback loop.

Google’s Chrome browser and Android operating system are key to its business and allegedly used to promote its own search engine over competitors. Divesting Chrome and Android could harm companies relying on them. Google would be barred from forcing Android devices to include its search or AI products. Google will have the opportunity to propose its own solutions in December.

Google would be required to license search results to competitors at a low cost and share user data with rivals for free under DOJ’s proposals. Data sharing aims to promote competition, with DuckDuckGo praising the measures as lowering barriers. Google faces accusations of avoiding EU data sharing rules, but claims to prioritize user trust.



Read more at Investing.com: Google must divest Chrome to restore competition in online search, DOJ says By Reuters