Google has said that the US Department of Justice’s “radical and sweeping” antitrust lawsuit against the company could have “unintended consequences.”
In August, ReadWrite reported that the tech giant was found to be liable for having monopolies in general search services and search text advertising in the country. In a new court filing, the government says it is now considering enforcing “structural remedies” that would prevent Google from using some of its products such as Chrome, Android and Play, which the justice department argues give the company an advantage over rivals.
Additional measures under consideration include preventing Google from paying to have its search engine pre-installed on smartphones and other devices.
Google criticizes DoJ’s new outline in antitrust case
Google, which is owned by Alphabet, stated that it would contest any case brought by the Department of Justice, arguing that the proposals represent government “overreach” and would negatively impact consumers.
In a statement, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, warned that the Department of Justice’s “radical and sweeping” proposals could harm consumers, businesses, and developers.
She said: “This case is about a set of search distribution contracts. Rather than focus on that, the government seems to be pursuing a sweeping agenda that will impact numerous industries and products, with significant unintended consequences for consumers, businesses and American competitiveness.”
With the splitting-up of Chrome or Android, she added: “Breaking them off would change their business models, raise the cost of devices, and undermine Android and Google Play in their robust competition with Apple’s iPhone and App Store.”
Google argues: “We believe that today’s blueprint goes well beyond the legal scope of the Court’s decision about Search distribution contracts. Government overreach in a fast-moving industry may have negative unintended consequences for American innovation and America’s consumers. We look forward to making our arguments in court.”
The Department of Justice is anticipated to present a more detailed set of proposals by November 20, while Google is expected to submit its proposed remedies by December 20.
Featured image: Ideogram
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