GoogleGOOGL

might have it all — Search, Android, and YouTube — but they’re missing an easy way out of their worst nightmare. After a federal court found Google guilty of holding an illegal monopoly in the internet search business, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is said to be considering options that could force the search giant to be a little less… giant.

Hey Google, break up: For the first time in two decades, the DOJ is said to be mulling an effort to break up Google — which could involve imposing restrictions or requiring significant business divestments. The decision, still in advanced talks, could have groundbreaking implications for Google’s business — and the industry.

• One of the DOJ’s key charges is that Google monopolized search advertisements, which might lead to a breakup of Google Ads — which generated $238B in revenue in 2023.
• Other potential divestments include forcing Google to sell its Android operating system or Chrome browser.

Search Your Way Out

The last time the DOJ targeted a company for breakup was in 2000 with Microsoft dominating the internet with Windows. While Microsoft’s breakup was overturned on appeal, some decisions were upheld — providing clues about what fate might await Google.

• Google might have to share data or technology with competitors and could face restrictions on making certain contracts — a decision similar to those imposed on Microsoft.
• Most notably, Google is expected to be banned from using “exclusive contracts” to corral dominance — it spent $26B to be the default browser on iPhone and Firefox.

Watch your back: The case against Google is being closely watched by tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Meta, who worry the outcome could affect their ongoing antitrust cases. But we won’t know the full impact until after the DOJ considers the “suggested remedies” put forward on Sept. 6.