Google is fighting U.S. antitrust actions, urging officials to drop breakup plans, fearing economic harm.
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Alphabet’s Google is pushing back against efforts to break up the company, urging the U.S. government to reconsider its approach. According to a Reuters report, Google met with officials from President Donald Trump’s administration last week, warning that the proposed antitrust measures could harm the economy and national security. The Justice Department (DOJ) has filed two major antitrust cases against Google – one targeting its dominance in search and another focusing on its control over online advertising.
Google’s Desperate Attempt to Avoid Breakup
Google’s recent meeting with U.S. officials highlights its growing concern over the DOJ’s legal actions. The company is reportedly lobbying against potential remedies that could force it to sell off key assets like the Chrome browser or stop paying companies, such as Apple, to make Google the default search engine.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the company’s talks with the DOJ, stating, “We routinely meet with regulators… we’re concerned the current proposals would harm the American economy and national security.” However, critics argue that Google’s real fear is losing its empire.
Trump’s Administration May Be More Lenient
The antitrust trial over Google’s search practices is set for April, with a final decision expected in August. Some industry experts believe Trump’s administration may be less aggressive in breaking up Google compared to Joe Biden’s presidency. This has sparked concerns that political influence might allow the tech giant to escape major consequences.
While Google fights to protect its empire, regulators continue debating whether breaking up the company is necessary to restore competition in the tech industry. The DOJ has not yet commented on its next steps.