### DOJ Proposes Breaking Up Google’s Search Business Amid Antitrust Scrutiny

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently suggested several "behavioral and structural remedies" aimed at dismantling segments of Google's search business. This proposal comes after a federal judge declared in August that Google holds a monopoly in the search market. To help understand the broader implications of these potential actions, former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Mozelle Thompson shared his insights.

Thompson explains that the trial concerning Google's monopolistic practices has now entered its "second phase." In this phase, the primary focus is determining what kind of remedy will effectively address the monopolistic harms identified by the court during the initial phase. However, Thompson warns that resolving the case and enforcing appropriate solutions is likely to be a prolonged process, potentially extending over several years.

The former FTC commissioner highlights the challenges involved in implementing such radical measures, stating, "Break-ups are hard to do." He notes that the DOJ's proposed remedy is notably "unusual" and that similar actions are rare. Many experts question the efficacy of breaking up tech giants as a strategy to curb their market dominance.

Despite these uncertainties, Thompson advises investors to keep an eye on the changing competitive landscape, especially with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). "People have alternatives to Google searches," he says, noting that AI technologies are gaining popularity and could significantly reshape the search engine market in the near future.