google says it wants to keep Chrome but is open to change the apple contract
google has inquired with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) about the possibility of avoiding exclusive agreements with companies like apple for default search engine status, rather than having to divest its Chrome browser as part of the antitrust case, according to The Verge.
Nonetheless, google suggested limiting this restriction on exclusive deals to just three years, while the DOJ is pushing for a 10-year limit.
This development follows the DOJ's request for the company to sell Chrome, share its search results, refrain from exclusive arrangements for default search placement, and even consider selling Android.
All of these actions were prompted by the justice department's finding that google engaged in unlawful monopolistic practices concerning online searches, a claim that google has refuted.
The company defended its position by arguing that search agreements are central to the case, and thus, that is where the court should focus.
The proposal also includes a commitment from google not to strike deals with Android device manufacturers to pre-install mobile search in return for access to other google applications.
As a result, this would provide greater flexibility for browsers like Mozilla and Opera in being set as the default.
However, the deal with apple is the most significant, valued in the billions.
If that agreement is terminated, google would no longer automatically be the default search engine for any "proprietary apple feature or functionality, including siri and Spotlight" in the US.
Additionally, google proposed that it would not instruct phone manufacturers to include its gemini AI assistant in exchange for accessing other google services.
DuckDuckGo, a competitor of Google’s search engine, has expressed disapproval of this proposal. "Google's proposal seeks to preserve the existing situation and change as little as possible," spokesperson Kamyl Bazbaz stated in a report.
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