The case for breaking up Google has never been stronger
Apr 24, 2025
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Jonathan Kanter, the former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, reveals insights from his tenure leading critical antitrust cases against Google. He discusses the growing urgency for the U.S. government to consider breaking up the tech giant to promote fair competition. Kanter elaborates on the legal complexities of Google's ad tech monopoly and the political influences impacting these cases. He also highlights the implications for democracy and innovation, conveying the message that the fight against Big Tech is far from over.
The U.S. government's pursuit of antitrust cases against Google focuses on illegal monopoly practices in search and advertising.
Jonathan Kanter emphasized the importance of strategic evidence assembly and narrative clarity in effectively building antitrust cases against Google.
The political landscape around antitrust enforcement is evolving, with bipartisan support highlighting the need for independence from political influences in regulation.
Deep dives
Google's Monopoly and Antitrust Cases
The federal government is pursuing multiple antitrust cases against Google, alleging that it has illegally maintained its monopoly in web search and digital advertising. A significant verdict highlighted that Google secured default placements, particularly on iPhones, to reinforce its search dominance, leading to remedies being sought like divesting its Chrome browser. Concurrently, a separate ruling indicated Google's advertising practices harmed publishers and users, leading to calls for selling parts of Google's ad technology system. These cases illustrate a pivotal moment in tech regulation, with the potential for transformative outcomes for both Google and the broader digital marketplace.
Strategic Insights on Case Construction
Jonathan Cantor, the former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, emphasized that the strategic assembly of evidence was crucial in building the antitrust cases against Google. The cases drew from various sources, including internal documents where Google recognized the implications of its monopolistic conduct. They were structured to present clear and accessible narratives, demonstrating both the nuances of the tech market and the harm caused to competitors and consumers. The approach involved combining experienced antitrust and litigation teams to craft compelling arguments aimed at convincing judges and juries.
Impact of Antitrust on the Future of Online Publishing
Cantor argued that effective antitrust enforcement is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition within the online publishing landscape. He noted that Google's dominance has significantly drained revenue streams from news publishers, challenging their viability amid evolving digital advertising practices. By successfully litigating these cases, the hope is to restore healthier economic conditions for publishers, potentially allowing for the emergence of new business models. This is aimed not only at rectifying current market harms but also safeguarding against future anti-competitive practices as AI technologies begin to proliferate.
The Role of Political Dynamics in Antitrust Enforcement
The political landscape surrounding antitrust enforcement has shifted, with increased scrutiny on how administrations wield regulatory power over large tech firms. Cantor noted bipartisan support for antitrust actions during his tenure, highlighting the importance of maintaining independence in pursuing cases against dominant companies irrespective of political affiliations. Concerns were raised regarding potential political influences under different administrations that could hinder effective enforcement. Overall, maintaining the integrity of antitrust enforcement processes is vital for upholding public trust in government regulation.
Future Challenges for Antitrust Regulation
As the discussion on antitrust continues, the challenges are multifaceted, particularly regarding new players like AI companies and their potential monopolistic behaviors. Cantor emphasized the necessity of preemptively controlling powerful tech conglomerates to prevent them from stifling innovation in emerging markets. The ongoing trials against Google and other tech giants act as critical tests of enforcement strategies and the implications they may have on shaping future market landscapes. Antitrust regulators must remain vigilant, adapting to the rapidly changing technology environment to ensure fair competition and consumer choice.
Today we’re talking about the very real possibility that Google might be broken up by the United States government. And to do that, I’m talking to Jonathan Kanter, the former assistant attorney general for antitrust under the Biden administration. Kanter left the DOJ after Trump was elected, but he was the architect of the major antitrust cases the Trump administration continues to pursue against Google. That means he’s much more free to share his thoughts on what it took to build and win both of these cases and what should happen next.
