August 6th, 2024

Breaking up Google would offer a chance to remodel the web

The antitrust ruling against Google reveals its illegal monopoly, hindering competition. Alternatives exist but struggle. A post-Google internet aims for user privacy and diverse, non-invasive services.

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Breaking up Google would offer a chance to remodel the web

but because we can create a new framework that prioritizes user privacy and alternative business models. The recent antitrust ruling against Google highlights the potential for a restructured web that is less reliant on tracking and advertising. Alternatives to Google’s services already exist, such as DuckDuckGo for search and Proton Mail for email, but they struggle to gain traction in a market dominated by Google’s extensive data collection and advertising strategies. Google’s monopoly is reinforced by its default status on platforms like iOS, where it pays Apple billions to maintain its search engine's dominance. This arrangement stifles competition and limits user choice, as potential rivals are unable to gain the necessary user base to challenge Google. The ongoing debate around Google’s adtech practices, including its Privacy Sandbox initiative, underscores the complexities of transitioning to a more privacy-focused web. While some regulatory oversight has been introduced, the fundamental issue remains: Google’s pervasive influence shapes the digital landscape, making it difficult for alternative models to flourish. The vision for a post-Google internet includes a space where privacy is prioritized, and users have access to diverse, user-friendly services that do not rely on invasive tracking.

- Google has been found to operate an illegal monopoly, raising questions about the future of the web.

- Alternatives to Google’s services exist but struggle to compete due to Google's dominance.

- Google pays Apple billions to remain the default search engine on iOS, limiting competition.

- Regulatory scrutiny of Google’s adtech practices highlights the challenges of transitioning to a privacy-focused web.

- A vision for a post-Google internet emphasizes user privacy and diverse service options.

Link Icon 3 comments
By @stevenalowe - 4 months
No actual plans/proposals to remodel the web detected, just a lot of gushing over the possibility of 'breaking up Google', as if that would magically change how click tracking works. It would not, nor would it suddenly 'clear a path' or cause the invention of some other competing/equivalent technology.

Also note: the referenced anti-trust decision is pending appeal, and on the surface seems ridiculous. "Default" search engine is not the same thing as "only" search engine, paying for exposure with cash and a revenue split is a normal business practice, and no one has built a better search engine because the technical challenges are enormous - not because they can't be the default search engine on Safari.

By @sitkack - 4 months
It would also allow Google to survive.
By @hitpointdrew - 4 months
Breaking up Google how, precisely?

1. Search

2. Browser

3. YouTube

4. Cloud

5. Gsuite

etc.