Tennessee – A coalition of 38 state attorneys general, along with the U.S. Department of Justice, has submitted a final package of remedies aimed at dismantling Google’s illegal monopoly over internet search engines and restoring competition. The proposal, filed with a federal district court in Washington, D.C., follows a landmark ruling last year that found Google guilty of antitrust violations in online search.
Led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, the coalition has worked closely with the Justice Department to develop what they consider a comprehensive and legally sound proposal. The plan is intended to break down barriers to entry in the search market, fostering innovation and increasing consumer choice.
“We proved Google violated antitrust law in an epic federal trial,” said Skrmetti. “Now it’s time to solve the problem. Today’s proposed final remedies package holds Google accountable for its search monopoly and protects consumers by promoting competition.”
The proposed remedies include a ban on all search-related payments to distribution partners, such as Apple and Android device manufacturers, which have historically secured Google’s dominance in search. Additionally, Google would be required to divest its Chrome browser, with the potential for a future divestiture of its Android operating system if initial measures fail to restore competition or if the company does not comply with the ruling.
The proposal also grants government regulators the authority to preliminarily review Google’s financial interests in online search and generative AI competitors for a limited period. This measure aims to prevent the company from using its dominance to stifle emerging technologies.
To further limit Google’s market power, the decree would require the company to share portions of its search index, user data, and advertising data with competitors for a limited time. The revised proposal includes additional safeguards to address privacy concerns while ensuring that competing search engines have access to critical information needed to compete effectively.
A hearing on the proposed remedies is set to begin on April 21 and is expected to conclude by May 9. If approved, the measures could significantly alter the landscape of online search, reducing Google’s dominance and opening the market to increased competition.