DOJ Considers Landmark Antitrust Action Against Google

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is contemplating a landmark antitrust action against Google, which may lead to the breakup of the company to address its alleged search monopoly. This initiative could involve separating Google's search business from its Chrome browser, Android operating system, and Google Play app store to prevent leveraging its products to maintain dominance. Google has criticized these proposals as 'radical' and warned of negative consequences for consumers and innovation. This follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who found Google guilty of violating antitrust laws through exclusive agreements. Additionally, a California judge has mandated that Google must allow third-party app stores on Android, highlighting the growing legal challenges to its market practices. The DOJ's actions could represent the most significant antitrust move against a tech company since the Microsoft case in the 1990s.