The United States Department of Justice has proposed a move to cut down Google's dominance in the search engine market.

DOJ's Objectives

The DOJ proposes structural and behavioral changes to reduce Google's influence in search and advertising markets. Key initiatives include separating parts of Google's search business and sharing search data and indexes with competitors. A technical committee is also recommended to oversee the new regulations.

Reasons for the Move

The DOJ's action against Google is a result of years scrutinizing the company's search dominance via deals with browser and phone manufacturers, ensuring Google's search as a default choice. Similar accusations were made against Visa in September, challenging its monopoly in the payments market.

Big Tech under Watch

Regulators worry about Big Tech's influence on AI's future. The EU investigated Apple, Google, and Meta for Digital Markets Act violations in March. In August, the UK scrutinized Amazon's $4 billion AI investment concerning antitrust rules.

Google responded by highlighting potential negative impacts on U.S. tech, with DOJ's proposals still under discussion.