Google warns of security risks, AI setbacks, and consumer harm from “extreme” government demands.

Google has criticized targeting its search distribution agreements in a proposal from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of an antitrust lawsuit. The company argues the proposal calls for major changes that could disrupt its services, hurt users, and damage the U.S.’s leadership in global technology.

“The DOJ could have focused on the main issue—our search agreements with companies like Apple, Mozilla, phone makers, and wireless carriers,” Google wrote in a blog post. “Instead, they chose an extreme approach that would harm Americans and the country’s tech leadership”.

Google’s Concerns

Google warns that the DOJ’s plan goes far beyond the lawsuit’s focus and could impact unrelated products and services. The company pointed out several problems:

• Security and Privacy Risks: Google says the plan could force it to sell parts of its business, like Chrome and Android, which might compromise user privacy and security.
• Exposure of Personal Data: It claims sensitive user information, like search history, could end up in the hands of unknown companies.
• Hindrance to AI Development: Google warns the proposal would slow its progress in artificial intelligence, a field where it is a global leader.
• Threats to Partnerships: The plan could hurt services like Mozilla’s Firefox, which rely on Google’s payments for search placement.

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Example: Pixel Phone Screens

Google highlighted what it sees as unrealistic demands, like requiring two separate choice screens on Google Pixel phones before users can access Search. “The design of these screens would even need approval from a Technical Committee. We wish we were making this up,” Google said.

Claims of Government Overreach

Google called the DOJ’s actions “unprecedented government overreach,” warning they could harm consumers, small businesses, and developers while threatening the U.S.’s position in the global economy.

Google’s Next Steps

Google plans to submit its own proposals next month and prepare a broader defense next year.

What the DOJ Lawsuit is About

The DOJ accuses Google of abusing its dominance in search and online ads to block competition and keep its market power. The case focuses on Google’s agreements with companies like Apple, Mozilla, and phone makers to make its search engine the default option.

The DOJ says these deals limit consumer choice and violate antitrust laws by reinforcing Google’s monopoly. It seeks to change Google’s business practices, which could include breaking up parts of the company.

Google denies the allegations, saying its services succeed because of quality and innovation. The company argues the DOJ’s remedies would harm users and the broader tech industry.

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