The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced that it is considering whether to ask a judge to break up Google in an effort to limit its control over the internet search market. This move could have far-reaching implications for the technology industry, marking a significant development in the government's efforts to curtail the influence of large tech companies. The DoJ has hinted at imposing ‘structural requirements’ on Google, which may involve separating its search engine from other services like Chrome, Google Play and Android. The announcement follows a landmark ruling in August, which concluded that Google had used illegal practices to secure its dominance in online search. In a court filing, the DoJ expressed concerns that Google could leverage its various products to favour its search services, thereby preventing competition. The Justice Department stated it is currently evaluating a range of remedies that would address these issues. In response, Google issued a warning about the unintended consequences of such measures on both businesses and consumers. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, described the DoJ's proposals as "government overreach" in a blog post. Upcoming Deadlines The DoJ is expected to submit a more detailed set of proposals by 20 November, outlining the specific remedies it intends to seek from the court. Google, in turn, will have until 20 December to submit its own proposed solutions. The August ruling was a major blow for Alphabet, Google's parent company, following a 10-week trial. During the trial, prosecutors accused Google of paying billions of dollars to companies such as Apple and Samsung to ensure it remained their default search engine. Google's legal team countered by arguing that users prefer Google because it offers a superior product, and that the company has been investing in its search engine to improve the consumer experience. Broader Implications The scrutiny of Google comes amid a broader effort by US authorities to strengthen competition in the technology sector. Other major tech companies, including Facebook-owner Meta, Amazon and Apple, are also facing lawsuits alleging anti-competitive practices. The outcome of these cases could significantly reshape the landscape of the US technology industry. If the DoJ succeeds in breaking up Google or imposing other stringent restrictions, it would set a precedent for handling similar concerns with other dominant tech firms. The move signals a more aggressive stance from regulators looking to curtail the influence of Big Tech and ensure a fair competitive environment. Industry experts are watching closely to see what long-term impact the DoJ's actions may have on innovation and market dynamics. Source: Agencies