Mulholland argued that forcing Google to share users’ search queries and results with competitors would create significant privacy and security risks. Because the company currently protects this data with strict security measures.
She also posted that splitting off products like Chrome and Android would weaken their security, complicate patch management, and raise costs for consumers.
According to Mulholland, these changes would “raise the cost of devices, undermine Android and Google Play’s competition with Apple’s iPhone and App Store.” This would ultimately reduce revenue for companies like Mozilla and Android smartphone manufacturers, potentially leading to less innovation and higher device prices.
The Road Ahead for Google and the DOJ
The DOJ has until November 20 to submit a more refined set of remedies to the court. In response, Google has until December 20 to propose its own solutions to address the court’s concerns.
The outcome of this antitrust case could reshape the digital landscape, particularly for Google’s search business, and set a precedent for regulating other tech giants.
