Google's Proposal to Avoid Breakup: Unbundle Android Apps

In a surprising move, Google has submitted a counteroffer to the Department of Justice's plan to break up the tech giant's monopolistic practices. Instead of selling off Chrome or Android, Google's proposal aims to address the company's exclusive search distribution deals.

According to Google's regulatory VP Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company's plan would "block Google from signing deals that link licenses for Chrome, Search, and its Android app store, Google Play, with placement or preinstallation of its other apps." This would effectively unbundle the integration of Google's various services on Android devices.

The DOJ's original proposal called for forcing Google to sell off Chrome and potentially other assets to restore competition in the search market. However, Google is arguing that the issue lies primarily with its search distribution agreements, not the bundling of its apps.

Google's three-year proposal would still allow the company to pay for default search placement in browsers, but it would require the ability to revisit these deals periodically. The goal is to provide more opportunities for competitors to secure prominent placement on Android devices and other platforms.

This counterproposal comes as Google prepares to appeal the recent court ruling that found the company to be a monopolist. The tech giant maintains that its solutions are more targeted and effective than the DOJ's "extreme" proposal to break up its business empire.

The battle over Google's dominance is far from over, and the upcoming two-week trial will be crucial in determining the future of the company's market power. As the government and Google continue to clash, consumers and the broader tech industry await the outcome, which could have far-reaching implications for competition and innovation in the digital landscape.