Google must share data with its competitors in order to open up competition in the field of internet search. According to global news agencies, this is the result of a Tuesday ruling by a court in Washington. The court also banned the company from entering into agreements with manufacturers of mobile and other devices that prevent the pre-installation of competing products on these devices. However, Google does not have to sell its Chrome browser and Android operating system, as requested by the US Department of Justice, the court ruled.
US court confirms Google’s monopoly
In August 2024, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google illegally maintains a monopoly in the field of internet search, thereby suppressing competition and hindering innovation. On Tuesday, however, Judge Mehta did not ban agreements that give Google a default position for its search engine on mobile and other devices, arguing that banning them would cause more harm than good, the AP reports.
These agreements involve payments of more than $26 billion a year to companies such as Apple and Mozilla. However, the judge balanced the approval of these agreements with a decision requiring Google to share internet search data with competitors.
Google will appeal
Google has previously stated that it plans to appeal, Reuters reports, adding that it could take years before the company is required to comply with the court’s decision.
US antitrust authorities launched a legal campaign against alleged monopolies by large technology companies during the first administration of President Donald Trump, continuing under his successor Joe Biden. Following Tuesday’s court ruling, the Justice Department said it was considering further action, Reuters reports.
Source: Reuters
