DOJ Considers Breaking Up Google Over Competition Issues

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking at potential structural remedies, such as breaking up Google, to address its monopolistic behaviors in the search engine market. According to recent filings, the DOJ argues that Google has leveraged its position to unfairly dominate the industry. Former FTC commissioner Mosel Thompson discussed the time-consuming nature of this process, highlighting that remedy phases can last anywhere from one to three years, mirroring the protracted cases seen with Microsoft and AT&T breakup attempts in the past. While the market is in a phase of innovation — particularly with artificial intelligence (AI) gaining momentum — Thompson noted that these advancements may offer users alternatives to traditional Google searches. This ongoing competition raises questions about the future of Google's dominance. Thompson emphasized that breakups are rare and that the long-term impacts on consumers and the market may be significant, including potential unintended consequences of government actions. As these developments unfold, businesses and consumers alike should be mindful of the implications for market dynamics and the accessibility of information resources.