Google might be forced to split Android and Chrome divisions

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to potentially force Google to spin off its search division from the main firm in order to increase competition among online search engines. The move is part of a larger antitrust case that centres on whether Google has too much power over how consumers find information online.

The DOJ's ruling is part of a significant antitrust case involving Google's search business. In August, a federal court found that Google does indeed have an illegal monopoly in online search. With this decision, several smaller companies, such as Yelp and DuckDuckGo, are calling for significant changes to how Google conducts its searches.

Some of these tiny businesses claim that Google's Chrome browser is the primary reason for the company's search monopoly, and that it should be spun off and separated from the main business. Other competitors want to prevent Google from paying Apple to make its search engine the default choice on its devices. Google reportedly pays Apple billions of dollars per year for this particular access.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta determined that Google processes more than 90% of all internet searches in the United States, giving it a dominating position that'stifles competition.' According to the DOJ, this has resulted in limited choices for customers and "stifled" innovation as a result of Google's monopoly. The DOJ believes that more competition will benefit consumers by giving them more choices and better services.

As AI services have emerged in recent months, some users have switched to other search engines such as Perplexity. Many social media users have admitted to transferring from Google because they were dissatisfied with the search results, particularly following the introduction of AI summary features. Reports have appeared of Google delivering erroneous information, such as false health advice.

Originally intended to produce succinct summaries of search results, Google unveiled AI Overviews earlier this year. But this functionality was rapidly criticised for returning strange and incorrect results. Users posted instances of the AI making ridiculous recommendations, including putting glue on pizza or even telling people to eat rocks every day.

Although the DOJ is still determining how to proceed, it may suggest that Google be divided up into smaller businesses. This can entail distancing its search engine from other offerings, including as YouTube, the Android ecosystem, and advertisements. The Department of Justice may also suggest new rules governing Google's search engine operation, making sure the company doesn't give preference to its own offerings over those of rivals.

Google intends to appeal the decision, claiming that the popularity of its search engine is a result of both consumer pleasure and product quality.