Alphabet’s Google has put forward new restrictions on revenue-sharing agreements with various companies, including Apple, that designate Google’s search engine as the default option on their devices and browsers.
The recommendations arise from the ongoing antitrust conflict involving the US search giant’s online operations.
In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta determined that Google engaged in unlawful practices to eliminate its competition in the search market, a ruling that the tech giant has pledged to contest.
In a legal filing submitted on Friday, Google asserted its right to continue engaging in contracts with other companies while expanding the range of options available.
The proposed options encompass the ability to designate various default search engines for distinct platforms and browsing modes.
Google has proposed remedies allowing partners to change their default search provider at least once a year.
The proposals significantly depart from the extensive measures proposed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) last month, which urged Judge Mehta to compel the firm to cease its revenue-sharing agreements.
Lawyers from the Department of Justice have called for Google to divest its ownership of Chrome, which holds the title of the most widely used web browser globally.
According to web traffic analysis platform Statcounter, Google’s search engine dominates the online landscape, accounting for approximately 90% of all global searches.
Google has responded to the Department of Justice’s proposed remedies, labelling them as “overbroad.” The tech giant further asserted that even its counterproposals, submitted to meet a court-imposed deadline, would impose costs on its partners.
Following a trial, Judge Mehta is anticipated to deliver a ruling in the remedies phase of the significant case by August.
