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Google is hoping that a change in regime leads to a change in its perception as an illegal monopoly in the online search sector by regulators in Washington, D.C.
Sources familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg that Google representatives met with the Department of Justice last week and urged the DOJ to rescind its push to break up the company, citing national security concerns, among their arguments.
“We routinely meet with regulators, including with the DOJ, to discuss this case,” Google communications manager Peter Schottenfels said in a statement shared by Bloomberg. “As we’ve publicly said, we’re concerned that the current proposals would harm the American economy and national security.”
The DOJ, with former President Joe Biden still in office at the time, said in its closing arguments last November in its antitrust lawsuit against Google that Google should be forced to sell off its Chrome web browser. The DOJ also recommended the courts force Google to license data to its competitors, cease payments to Apple and other companies for pre-installing its search engine on devices, and cut back investments in artificial intelligence companies.
Bloomberg noted that the trial is currently in its remedy phase, where the court is in the process of deciding which actions to take, adding that both sides are scheduled to file their final proposals Friday, with a ruling expected in April.
The DOJ’s recommendations will be overseen by Acting Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Omeed Assefi, Bloomberg reported, as a vote has not yet been scheduled on the confirmation of Gail Slater, President Donald Trump’s appointment for the role.