The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), along with the Chamber of Progress, has submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in the case of U.S. vs Google. The brief addresses concerns about several remedies proposed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and its state co-plaintiffs, arguing that these measures could stifle competition, hinder innovation, and limit consumer access to improved technology.
Last year, Judge Amit Mehta found Google in violation of U.S. antitrust laws due to distribution agreements that made Google the default search engine on third-party web browsers and mobile devices. The DOJ's proposal includes remedies that might involve dismantling some of Google's services, which CCIA argues exceed the scope of Judge Mehta’s ruling.
CCIA's brief emphasizes the need for remedies that align with antitrust law principles while fostering innovation, competition, and consumer welfare.
CCIA President Matt Schruers commented: “At a time when U.S. digital services are in fierce competition for global technology leadership, structural remedies that weaken U.S. companies may risk handing an economic advantage to adversaries abroad. Remedies that are overly broad and prescriptive could risk harming consumers and hindering innovation.”