Alphabet’s Google has put forward new proposals aimed at limiting the revenue-sharing agreements with companies, including Apple, that make Google’s search engine the default on their devices and browsers. The suggestions come as part of Google’s ongoing antitrust case concerning its dominance in the online search market.
In August, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had illegally stifled competition in the search industry, a decision the company is appealing. In a legal filing submitted on Friday, Google argued it should be allowed to continue entering into these default search agreements but with expanded options for its partners. Under its new proposals, Google suggests allowing different search engines to be set as defaults for different platforms and browsing modes. Additionally, the company recommends that partners be able to change their default search provider at least once every 12 months.
These suggestions are in stark contrast to the remedies proposed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) last month. The DOJ recommended that Judge Mehta require Google to cease its revenue-sharing contracts and even demanded the company sell its popular Chrome browser, which is used by millions worldwide.
Google, which holds approximately 90% of the global search engine market share, according to Statcounter, has criticized the DOJ’s proposed remedies as “overbroad.” The company also warned that even its own counterproposals, which aim to address the court’s concerns, would come with significant costs for its business partners.
As the legal battle continues, Judge Mehta is expected to issue a ruling on the remedies phase of the case by August, following the trial. The outcome could have significant implications for Google’s operations and could shape the future of online search practices in the U.S. and beyond.
