Alphabet’s Google has proposed new restrictions to its revenue-sharing agreements with companies, including Apple, that set Google’s search engine as the default on their devices and browsers. The move comes as part of Google’s ongoing legal battle over its dominance in the online search market.
In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had illegally suppressed competition in the search industry. The tech giant has vowed to appeal the ruling, but in the meantime, it has outlined new proposals to address concerns raised by the case.
In a legal filing submitted on Friday, Google argued it should still be allowed to enter into these contracts with companies, but with some modifications. One key proposal is to allow different default search engines to be selected across various platforms and browsing modes. Additionally, Google suggests that partners be given the ability to change their default search engine every 12 months, a move intended to increase competition and offer more choices to users.
These proposals sharply contrast with the remedies suggested by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) last month. DOJ officials have called for Google to cease entering into revenue-sharing agreements altogether. They also demanded that the company sell Chrome, the world’s most widely used web browser.
Google’s search engine accounts for approximately 90% of global online searches, according to data from web analytics firm Statcounter. In response to the DOJ’s proposed remedies, Google called them “overbroad” and argued that even its own counterproposals could impose significant costs on its partners.
The DOJ’s intervention comes as part of a broader antitrust case aimed at curbing Google’s influence over the online search market. The company’s near-total control of search traffic has raised concerns about unfair business practices and anti-competitive behavior.
The proposed changes by Google are seen as a response to the growing pressure from regulators. Judge Mehta is expected to issue a decision on the next phase of the case by August, following the trial, which could result in more stringent regulations or even force the company to overhaul its business practices.
As Google continues to navigate this legal challenge, the outcome of the case could have lasting implications for its search engine dominance and its relationships with major tech partners.
