Google Suggests Making Search Engine Deals Non-Exclusive to Avoid Selling Chrome and Android

The new proposal includes making agreements non-exclusive, allowing device makers to revisit their default search engine annually.

By Thea Felicity

Dec 21 2024, 09:55 AM EST

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To prevent breaking up its search engines, Google suggested changing its agreements with tech giants, like Apple, to make them less dominant.

Loosening the deals is a response to a US court ruling that found Google holding an illegal monopoly in online search and related advertising. These changes should include making the agreements not exclusive, to allow other search engines to thrive. This will help recover the competition in the marketplace.

While Google has proposed a limited package of changes, it starkly contrasts with the proposals made by the US government. According to Reuters, the government wants Google to take even more extreme measures, including selling off its Chrome browser. Google has rejected this proposal as an unnecessary and extreme measure. It also warned that over-harsh actions may hamper innovation.

Google's Alternative Proposal to Fix Antitrust Case

Google's proposal would focus on its distribution agreements with browser developers, mobile device manufacturers, and wireless carriers. Under these agreements, Google gets a major advantage over its competitors as many devices come preloaded with its search engine, which makes it difficult for users to switch to alternatives. Google's plan would provide manufacturers with an option to review their default search engine annually, which could break its stronghold.

With this proposal, Google is against ending its revenue-sharing deals with device makers, which help companies like Mozilla earn money from ads displayed through Google's search engine. Instead, the new agreement would allow device makers to benefit financially from having Google set as the default search engine on their products, per Business Insider.

Critics, such as a spokesperson from search engine competitor DuckDuckGo, counter that Google's position doesn't adequately resolve the competitive problems. They say that mere retention of these agreements doesn't rebalance competition in the marketplace, which is the whole point of the antitrust lawsuit.