Google tells US court that it's ready to change the Apple deal

Google

After winning against Google in an antitrust trial earlier this year, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed a sweeping set of changes to Google to filter its search results on its Chrome browser. The department even suggested that Google should sell its Chrome browser to break its illegal monopoly in online search. However, in a bid to avoid this, Google has put forward its alternative solutions, claiming the DOJ’s recommendations would harm consumers and stifle innovation in the US tech industry.

Google offers various solutions to DOJ: Key details

Google's regulatory VP, Lee-Anne Mulholland, clarified in a new blog from the company, stating that “DOJ’s proposal would harm American consumers and undermine America’s global technology leadership.” Further, Mulholland expressed concerns that requiring Google to hand over users’ private search data to competitors would erode privacy protection and stifle innovation for its partners such as Apple and Mozilla.

Moreover, OEMs who prioritise Google’s services need to make adjustments to their licensing agreements with Android phone manufacturers and contracts with wireless carriers. Google has also called for Android manufacturers and Apple to be given more flexibility to pre-install multiple search engines, as well as Google applications, without having to include Google Search or Chrome.

"Our proposal means device makers have additional flexibility in preloading multiple search engines, and preloading any Google app independently of preloading Search or Chrome. Again, this will give our partners additional flexibility and our rivals like Microsoft more chances to bid for placement," said Mulholland in a blog post.

The ruling by DOJ concerning remedies is expected to happen in 2025, with a hearing set in April. Google also has plans to appeal the previous ruling, but the search giant first needs to negotiate these remedies in the ongoing legal process.