In a recently proposed bill, two unlikely senators, Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), alongside several other senators from opposing political backgrounds, have come together with a new proposed bill to break up Google and Meta.
Google has become increasingly dominant in the tech world, providing search engine, email, cloud storage and other services. That power and influence made these unlikely bedfellows or Ted Cruz and Elizabeth Warren raise alarm bells. Along with senators Mike Lee (R-Ut), Josh Hawley (R-Mo), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), the unlikely allies are proposing a major break up of Google.
The proposed bill, the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act, targets “abusive practices by online platforms with monopoly power” and seeks to stop these platforms from favoring their own products or services over a competitors or those of a third party.
If passed, the bill would require tech companies that have a market value of at least $600 billion to be broken up. That includes both Google and its parent company Alphabet, as well as Meta. It would also create a new commission charged with monitoring and enforcing antitrust policies, as well as providing advice to the US Department of Justice on how to use its wide array of authorities to target anticompetitive behavior online.
This is not the first time Google’s dominance in the market has been targeted. Earlier this year, the US Department of Justice launched a critical lawsuit against Google, alleging the company had violated antitrust laws by using its market dominance to unlawfully secure an advantage over its competitors. Despite the efforts, progress has been slow, prompting the group of senators to step up with their new bill.
Proponents of this bill argue it will provide needed competition for the digital market. They argue it would make it easier for new businesses to enter the market, provide greater consumer choice, better prices, more innovation and more selection for consumers. There are others, however, that are concerned about the effects this bill could have.
Critics argue Congress does not have the expertise to decide how to split up Google, nor should Congress be tasked with such a complex decision. Some are also worried that this bill will be used by political opponents to target or break up companies they don’t like or have political differences with.
The crossover of Ted Cruz and Elizabeth Warren is a sign that something serious is happening with regards to Google. Regardless of the outcome, this proposed bill is a sign of the increasing scrutiny on one of the most powerful companies in the world.
