The historic crackdown on Google's Chrome came after the US judge earlier ruled that the tech giant illegally monopolised the online search market
In a historic crackdown on one of the world’s biggest tech giant, the US Department of Justice asked Alphabet Inc’s Google to sell off its Chrome browser, according to a Bloomberg report. This came after the judge earlier ruled that Google illegally monopolised the search market.
The report stated that the department will ask the judge to require measures related to artificial intelligence and its Android smartphone operating system. On Wednesday, the antitrust officials intend to propose that federal judge Amit Mehta impose data licensing requirements, people aware of the matter told the newswire.
If Mehta accepts this proposal, then it would revamp the digital search market and the AI industry. The case has its roots from the Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden.
On the other hand, Google also uses Chrome to direct users to Gemini --- its flagship AI product. Some website publishers also complained that its “AI Overviews” arm dampens traffic as well as advertising dollars when users click through to see the original source data.
Google’s Chrome is in focus because it is one of the most popular web browsers with over 61% market share in the United States. It is key for the tech giant’s ad business. It is pertinent to note that Google can see activities from signed-in users which it uses for targeted promotions to generate revenue.
“The Justice Department continued to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues. The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland as quoted by Bloomberg.
Google has changed the way its Google Local Services ads work. As of now, the ads run locally and are a big way that small businesses market their good and services. But starting on November 21, only businesses with a verified Google Business Profile will be able to run the ads.
Hence, AP has earlier reported that this modification could affect millions of small businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The tech giant made this change in an effort to crack down on fraud. But legitimate small businesses could be hurt if they're unaware of the change. If a small business' Google Business Profile's name and address doesn't match the information with the ad, advertising will be paused.
The Google verification process isn't difficult, but it takes some time (upto seven business days). Business owners must add or claim their business address on Google. Then owners will need to verify the address through phone, text, email, or video.
The process varies by business category and location and may include giving information about background, business registration, insurance, and license checks.