The DOJ is considering a Google breakup following the monopoly ruling.

• The Justice Department proposed suggestions for Google's search engine operations, hinting at the possibility of splitting the tech giant as a potential antitrust solution.
• A judge ruled that Google was guilty of having a monopoly in general search, and subsequently issued recommendations.
• The judge has not yet determined the remedies, and Google is likely to appeal, potentially prolonging the process for years.

The US Department of Justice recommended changes to Google's search engine practices on Tuesday, hinting at the possibility of a breakup as an antitrust solution.

The department stated in a filing that preventing and restraining monopoly maintenance may require contract requirements, non-discrimination product requirements, data and interoperability requirements, and structural requirements.

The DOJ is considering implementing remedies to prevent Google from leveraging its products such as Chrome, Play, and Android to gain an advantage in search and related products and features, including emerging search technologies.

In August, a U.S. judge ruled that Google holds a monopoly in the search market after a landmark case filed by the government in 2020, alleged that Google has maintained its dominance through strong barriers to entry and a feedback loop. The court found that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, which prohibits monopolies.

Google's president of global affairs, Kent Walker, stated that the company intends to challenge the court's decision and emphasized the judge's focus on the exceptional quality of Google's search offerings, which were also highlighted in the ruling.

According to legal experts, the most probable outcome is that the court will order Google to terminate its exclusive agreements with Apple. Additionally, the court may suggest that Google make it easier for users to switch to other search engines. However, a complete separation between the two companies was considered less probable at the time.

In the second quarter, Alphabet's "Google Search & Other" generated $48.5 billion in revenue, which is 57% of the company's total revenue. The company has a 90% market share in search.

The recommendations are still far from being decided.

Judge Mehta has stated that he will strive to make a ruling on the remedies by August 2025, and it is likely that Google will appeal, potentially delaying any final impact for years. In a separate antitrust case this week, a U.S. judge issued a permanent injunction that will require Google to provide alternatives to its Google Play store for downloading apps on Android phones.

The DOJ brought a separate antitrust case against Google, focusing on its ad tech business, and a judge has just concluded the trial.

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