October 9, 2024
Yahoo News recently published an article featuring Florian Ederer, Allen and Kelli Questrom Professor in Markets, Public Policy & Law, discussing The Department of Justice (DOJ) proposing a significant restructuring of Google to address its search monopoly.
This proposal follows a judge’s ruling that found Google guilty of unlawfully monopolizing online search and advertising. The DOJ’s measures may include restrictions on partnerships and a potential breakup of key Google products, with a final proposal expected soon. The upcoming presidential election could further complicate antitrust enforcement efforts.
Ederer adds that the tentative proposal to spin off key Google products like Chrome or Android “would mark a historic moment in [digital] antitrust enforcement.” He said this breakup “could have profound economic impacts, not only for Google but for the broader tech ecosystem.”
As the DOJ moves forward, its actions are expected to inspire confidence in other antitrust cases against major tech firms.