Alphabet’s Google has proposed new limitations on revenue-sharing agreements with companies like Apple that make Google’s search engine the default on their devices and browsers. These suggestions are part of Google’s ongoing antitrust battle regarding its online search business.
In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had illegally suppressed competition in the search market, a decision the company plans to appeal. In a legal filing submitted on Friday, Google stated that it should be permitted to continue entering into contracts with other companies while expanding the options it provides.
The proposed options include allowing different default search engines to be assigned to various platforms and browsing modes. Additionally, Google’s suggestions would enable partners to change their default search provider at least once every 12 months.
These proposals sharply contrast with the extensive remedies suggested by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) last month, which recommended that Judge Mehta compel Google to cease entering into revenue-sharing contracts. DOJ lawyers have also called for Google to divest Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser.
According to web traffic analysis platform Statcounter, Google’s search engine accounts for approximately 90% of all online searches globally. In response to the DOJ’s proposals, Google labeled them as “overbroad” and noted that even its own counterproposals, submitted under a court-mandated deadline, would incur costs for its partners.
Judge Mehta is expected to render a decision regarding the remedies in this landmark case by August, following the trial.
