The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voiced support for a Department of Justice (DOJ) initiative that aims to increase competition in the online search market by requiring Google to share its search data with rival firms. According to the FTC, the proposal contains sufficient privacy safeguards to ensure user information remains protected.
This recommendation follows a prior ruling that determined Google unlawfully maintains a monopoly in the search engine market. As the landmark antitrust case approaches its final phase, legal experts and advocacy groups continue to weigh in on the DOJ’s corrective measures, which could reshape the digital search landscape.
Google has strongly opposed the DOJ’s data-sharing mandate, citing concerns over compromising user privacy and revealing proprietary data. CEO Sundar Pichai warned that such actions could risk exposing valuable company secrets. However, the FTC countered that the proposal includes a compliance oversight committee — a model used in previous FTC privacy settlements — to protect consumer data.
In addition to data sharing, the DOJ and a coalition of state attorneys general are pushing for more drastic remedies. These include the potential divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser and an end to exclusive agreements — such as the multibillion-dollar deals that secure Google’s default status on Apple devices.
Google has responded by modifying some of these arrangements, allowing more flexibility for device makers and browser developers to choose alternative default search providers.
A further area of concern is the potential for Google to extend its dominance into the emerging AI sector. The DOJ has proposed that Google be required to disclose its AI investments and partnerships ahead of time. This measure has drawn criticism from AI startup Anthropic, which argues such requirements could deter Google from supporting smaller AI firms, limiting innovation in the space.
As the case reaches a critical juncture, the final outcome may have far-reaching implications for the structure of the online search industry, data privacy norms, and the future of AI investment.
