Google Offers Its Remedies in DOJ Antitrust Case

Google has offered up its remedies over its antitrust case with the Department of Justice – it was forced to, it didn’t want to. Google said it will appeal the court’s decision, but the process requires us to file proposed remedies first.

This is all regarding the Google monopoly ruling, where the DOJ already offered its remedies and the judge did as well.

In short, Google suggests it’s okay to:

(1) Allows browser companies to have multiple default search partner agreements across platforms.

(2) It would make Android agreements non-exclusive and allow them to separate Google Play.

(3) Gemini is not required to be distributed on these devices for three years.

Here’s what Google wrote in its own words:

Browser agreements:

Browser companies like Apple and Mozilla should continue to have the freedom to make deals with the search engine they think is best for their users. The court accepted that browser companies “occasionally evaluate Google’s search quality relative to its competitors and find Google’s superior.” And for companies like Mozilla, these contracts generate crucial revenue.

Our proposal allows browsers to continue to offer Google Search to their users and to monetize this partnership. But it also gives them extra flexibility: It would allow for more default agreements across different platforms (eg a different default search engine for iPhones and iPads) and browser modes, plus the ability to change their default search provider at least every 12 months (the court’s decision specifically referred to a 12-month agreement as “presumptively reasonable” under antitrust law).

Android contracts:

Our proposal means that device manufacturers have additional flexibility to preload multiple search engines and preload 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.

Oversight and Compliance:

Our proposal includes a robust mechanism to ensure we comply with the Court’s order without giving the government sweeping power over the design of your online experience.

The full PDF archive is over here.

Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.