US Justice Department Contemplates Google Break-Up: An Unprecedented Step in Big Tech Antitrust Case

The US Justice Department is considering the potential dismantling of Google in a landmark antitrust lawsuit. The move, which could involve compelling Google to divest certain areas of its operation, is aimed at preventing unlawful monopolistic practices.

The Justice Department is contemplating behavioral and structural solutions to prohibit Google from exploiting its products like Chrome, Play, and Android to favor its search engine and related features, according to the agency.

The comprehensive 32-page report presents a range of possible alternatives for the presiding judge to evaluate as the case progresses towards the resolution stage. The agency indicated its plans to deliver a more detailed proposition about the solutions in the following month, and then initiate the collection of more documents and proof from Google, set for a fortnight-long hearing on the solutions in April. Judge Mehta has confirmed that his decision on the solutions will be made by August 2025.

This initiative represents the most substantial attempt to control a leading tech firm for illicit monopolization since the failed effort to dismantle Microsoft twenty years ago. The Department of Justice and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have focused their attention on the overpowering influence of Big Tech, examining transactions and investments. They have accused certain dominant corporations in the country of unlawfully controlling markets.