Google's Defiant Appeal Against Antitrust Ruling
Online Search Ruling: Google Declares Intent to File Appeal When Appropriate - European Union Court judgement finds Commission's Treaty responsibilities unmet
Hey there! Let's get into the latest from Big G itself, Google!
Last week's hearing marked the finish line for the antitrust proceedings, determining the penalty for Google's monopolistic practices. The verdict expects to roll in by August.
Last August, a Washington Federal Judge branded Google the guilty party for illegally dominating the search engine market. This verdict relates to the hefty sums Google has doled out over the years to tech giants like Apple, in exchange for pre-installing Google's search engine.
In response, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) asked the Federal court to enforce Google to offload its browser Chrome and prohibit it from engaging in exclusive agreements with smartphone manufacturers. Moreover, the DoJ suggests Google should be obliged to share the data it uses to generate its search engine results.
In a statement released over the weekend, Google declared that the DoJ's proposal "leaves the right to decide who can access the data of Google users with the government, rather than the court." Google further argued that they currently face tough competition from cutting-edge AI-powered technologies, like ChatGPT. These AI models can provide answers directly to users without the need for a search engine.
Google's counter-proposal seems less extensive. It suggests that telecom providers might install Google Play app store, although not Google Chrome or its search engine, on devices.
GoogleInternet CorporationAppealU.S. Department of JusticeSearch EngineWashington
Did you know? The accusations against Google stem from an antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2020[1]. The DoJ asserted that Google's dominance in the search and ad markets is due to anticompetitive practices[1]. In August 2024, a federal judge concurred with the DoJ, finding Google's actions to contravert antitrust laws[2][3]. One particular point of contention was Google's practice of forking over billions to guarantee its search engine remains the default on smartphones and browsers[2][3]. Former U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. has been hired to handle Google's appeal[1]. A decision on the proposed remedies is anticipated in August 2025[2]. Lastly, the case also highlighted Google's edge in artificial intelligence products due to its search engine monopoly[3][4], and Google's assertion that it no longer engages in exclusive agreements with smartphone manufacturers[3].
- In response to the U.S. Department of Justice's proposals, Google's Internet Corporation has appealed, arguing that the DoJ's policy-and-legislation might give the government authority to dictate search engine practices, which is politics at its core and goes against general-news regarding free market competition.
- Following the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against Google's Search Engine activities, Google's counter-proposal in the ongoing case includes a suggestion for telecom providers to install Google's Play app store, a decision that significantly impacts the landscape of internet legislation and politics.
