This story has been updated - please see the most recent update below

On November 21, 2024, the Illinois Attorney General (AG) announced that it joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) and a coalition of 38 AGs in proposing a robust package of remedies relating to Google LLC's allegedly unlawful monopoly over internet search engines through anticompetitive contracts and conduct.

What measures were proposed by the AGs?

The AGs highlighted that the proposed measures aim to end Google's search distribution contracts and revenue-sharing agreements by prohibiting Google from paying to be the initial default search engine on any phone, device, or browser. The proposed final judgment also:

• requires Google to share its data and information, allegedly obtained through Google's monopoly power, with rivals to improve the competitive choices available to consumers; and
• prohibit Google from making Google Search or Google AI mandatory on Android devices, interfering with rival distribution, degrading rival quality, or leveraging distributors to preference Google.

Next steps

A hearing on the proposed measures is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2025, and to be concluded by May 2, 2025.

You can read the press release here and the proposed final judgment here.

Update: November 27, 2024

Arizona AG announces participation in coalition seeking to end Google search engine monopoly

On November 21, 2024, Arizona AG, Kris Mayes, announced that they were part of the coalition seeking to end Google's search engine monopoly.

You can read the press release here.

Minnesota AG joins bipartisan coalition seeking to limit Google business practices and search engine monopoly

On November 21, 2024, the Minnesota AG, Keith Ellison, announced that they joined the coalition of AGs and DOJ in asking the court to prohibit Google from paying to be the default search engine, require Google to share unlawfully obtained data with rivals, and divest Chrome browser, among other remedies.

You can read the press release here.

Maryland AG joins initiative seeking to limit Google business practices and search engine monopoly

On November 25, 2024, Maryland AG, Anthony G. Brown, announced that they joined the coalition, which proposed a package of remedies to end Google's search engine monopoly and restore competition.

You can read the press release here.