Google Warns DOJ Legal Action Could Undermine US Competitiveness Against China

Google has raised concerns that the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing lawsuit could inadvertently weaken the United States’ position in the intensifying technological rivalry with China. The company argues that legal constraints may hinder innovation and slow down advancements in critical sectors, giving China a strategic advantage. This development comes amid escalating global competition in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductor development. Industry analysts suggest that regulatory actions must balance oversight with the need to maintain technological leadership. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for America’s role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and next-generation technologies.

The DOJ’s proposal would “hamstring how we develop AI, and have a government-appointed committee regulate the design and development of our products,” Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, wrote in the post. “That would hold back American innovation at a critical juncture. We’re in a fiercely competitive global race with China for the next generation of technology leadership, and Google is at the forefront of American companies making scientific and technological breakthroughs.”

Alphabet’s Google is facing several lawsuits and investigations both at home and abroad. A US Judge recently ruled that Alphabet’s Google operates an illegal ad tech monopoly. Furthermore, Google was hit with a multi-billion-pound class action lawsuit in the UK, accusing the tech giant of abusing its dominance in the online search market.

Google’s Defense Against Lawsuit, Chrome Sale

Google plans to argue that Chrome provides freedom for users. The browser helps people access the web, and its open-source code is used by other companies, Google says. One of the DOJ’s proposals is that Google open its search data, such as search queries, clicks and results, to other companies. The move would pull the curtain in front of crucial data that Google has kept private. However, Google thinks it’s not a good idea. That would “introduce not just cybersecurity and even national security risks, but also increase the cost of your devices,” Google said.

Google may sell its Chrome browser for up to $20 billion if a judge forces the transaction, according to a Bloomberg valuation. Per Bloomberg analyst Mandeep Singh, Google Chrome’s sale would be worth “at least $15-$20 billion.” The internet browser averages roughly 3 billion active users per month, making it one of the most popular web browsers in the world. This is one of Alphabet’s biggest streams of income, and the forced sale would be a huge blow to Google and its profits.

“At trial, we will show how DOJ’s unprecedented proposals go miles beyond the Court’s decision, and would hurt America’s consumers, economy, and technological leadership,” Mulholland also wrote Monday.