Google, part of Alphabet Inc., proposed changes to its agreements with Apple and other partners, to loosen its hold on default search engine arrangements. This change comes in response to a U.S. antitrust decision that found Google illegally dominates the online search market.
The proposal, presented to U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, includes modifications such as making distribution agreements non-exclusive and allowing browser developers to revisit default search settings annually. Google sees these changes as a balanced option instead of the U.S. Department of Justice’s stronger plan to split up its business, which could involve selling its Chrome browser.
Google’s proposals are being considered after a judge in September said the company has an illegal monopoly in search and advertising. The government and some states want stronger actions, like separating Google’s app store from its browser and search tools, stopping deals that share profits, and making Google let others use its search technology.
In its court filings, Google argued that drastic interventions could stifle innovation, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how users interact with online services. Google pointed out that courts often warn against actions that might stop innovation, and that AI is quickly changing the way search works.
The judge had earlier pointed out that Google’s deals with phone makers, browser creators, and mobile network providers gave the company an “unnoticed edge” over other businesses. These deals usually set Google as the standard search option.
