The US government said it plans to ask a judge to break up search engine giant Google, a move that could reshape the way tech giants do business.
The Department of Justice (DoJ) says the measures could include “structural requirements” to prevent Google from maintaining its Internet search “monopoly.”
In response, Google warned that the proposed changes could have unintended consequences for American businesses and consumers.
The DoJ's announcement follows a landmark court ruling in August that found Google had maintained its dominance of online search through illegal practices.
The DoJ said in a court filing that it was considering “remedies that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play, and Android to advantage Google Search and Google Search-related products.”
In a blog post, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said the recommendations were “government overreach.”
The DoJ is expected to submit a more detailed set of proposals by November 20.
Google will be able to submit its own solution proposals by December 20.
The court ruling in August was a blow to Alphabet, Google's parent company.
It follows a 10-week trial, during which prosecutors accused Google of paying billions of dollars a year to companies including Apple and Samsung to ensure it was their search engine by default.
Google's lawyers argued that users are attracted to the search engine because they find it useful and that Google is investing to improve it for consumers.
Other lawsuits are pending against major US technology companies, including Meta, Amazon and Facebook owner Apple, accusing them of anti-competitive practices.
These lawsuits are part of attempts by American authorities to strengthen competition in the sector.
