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It's not just the U.S. accusing Google of being a monopoly

By Johanna Romero

Published: Dec 23, 2024, 10:44 AM

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Google

Image credit — PhoneArena

Google, the tech giant, is under fire from regulators worldwide for alleged antitrust violations. Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is reportedly set to rule that Google broke the country's antitrust laws with its Chrome browser. This investigation began last October, shortly after a US court found Google's dominance in the search market to be anti-competitive. The JFTC claims Google unfairly pressured smartphone makers to favor its products, giving it an edge in the search market.

This isn't the first time Google has faced such accusations. In November, a US district judge ruled that Google holds a monopoly in the search market. This ruling prompted the US government to propose that Google sell off assets like Chrome and Android to loosen its control over the search market. Additionally, the US government wants Google to provide third parties with low-cost access to its search engine. The trial for this case is scheduled to begin in April 2025.

Google has also faced scrutiny from the European Union. In 2019, the EU fined Google €1.49 billion for antitrust breaches. More recently, the European Commission recommended that Google sell off parts of its business and warned of potential fines reaching 10% of its global revenue if it doesn't comply.

An image of an Android smartphone with Google Chrome

Google Chrome browser | Image credit — PhoneArena

These actions by regulators worldwide could significantly impact the tech industry. In one scenario, if Google is forced to sell off assets or change its business practices, it could create opportunities for smaller companies and potentially lead to a more competitive search market. This could result in better products and services for consumers as companies innovate to gain market share.

The outcome of these legal battles remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the tech world is watching closely. The decisions made in these cases could shape the future of the internet and how we access information online.

However, this situation presents a difficult dilemma for users like myself. We rely on and appreciate Google's products, such as Chrome and Android. However, we also recognize the importance of competition in driving innovation and providing diverse options. The possibility of our favorite products changing ownership and potentially changing for the worse is a legitimate concern. It's a complex issue with no easy answers for the end user, and it highlights the delicate balance between regulation, innovation, and user experience.

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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and official member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.

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It's not just the U.S. accusing Google of being a monopoly

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