Google suggested new measures after being ruled guilty of crushing competition in the search industry.
Proposed Limits on Revenue-Sharing Agreements
Alphabet’s Google recommended limits on revenue-sharing deals with companies like Apple. These deals make Google’s search engine the default on devices and browsers.
The suggestions arise from an ongoing antitrust case targeting Google’s dominance in online search.
In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google illegally stifled search competition. Google has pledged to appeal this decision.
In a legal filing on Friday, Google argued for continuing these contracts but proposed expanding user options. These include assigning different default search engines to various platforms and browsing modes.
Google also suggested requiring partners to allow users to change their default search provider at least once a year.
Contrasting Views on Remedies
Google’s proposals differ significantly from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) recommendations. Last month, the DOJ suggested Judge Mehta ban Google from signing revenue-sharing agreements.
The DOJ also urged Google to sell Chrome, the world’s most widely used web browser.
Google’s search engine controls about 90% of global online searches, according to web traffic analysis platform Statcounter.
In a statement, Google called the DOJ’s recommendations “overbroad.” The company also noted that its counterproposals, filed to meet a court deadline, could impose costs on its partners.
Judge Mehta is expected to decide on remedies by August, following the trial’s conclusion.
