US District Judge Amit Mehta heard closing arguments on potential remedies to Google’s antitrust actions. As part of their consideration, the judge has floated the idea of less harsh punitive measures than are being proposed, namely in terms of how long the measures will be in effect.
Google how to avoid legal repercussions
Google faces several remedies in its ongoing antitrust case alleging that the internet giant has an illegal monopoly on… oh, all sorts of things. Search and online advertising top the list, leading to recommendations that the search giant be forced to part with Chrome in redress.
It may be that Google won’t have ten years of enforced remedy to comply with. Judge Mehta pointed out that developments happen fast in the technology world, saying it “may seem like a short period, but in this space, a lot can change in weeks.”
Other proposed punishments are limited sharing of the search company’s search data with competitors (namely Apple). Other actions are proposed if initial measures don’t produce a measurable change in the competitive landscape.
Massive companies don’t become massive by being timid, however. Despite the judge’s softer stance, Google intends to appeal… well, everything. The company (and presumably its lawyers) “still strongly believe the Court’s original decision was wrong, and look forward to our eventual appeal.”
