U.S. antitrust regulators haven’t stepped in to break a company’s monopoly in 40 years, according to the WSJ. Several high-stakes cases, including two involving Google, will determine whether this period of inactivity comes to an end.

In particular, according to the BBC, the US government is considering asking a judge to break up Google’s search engine monopoly, a move that would reshape the way the tech giants do business.

Frontline between Google and the Department of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (DoJ) announced that the measures may include “structural prerequisites” to prevent Google from maintaining a monopoly on online search.

Google, in its response, argued that the proposed changes may cause unwanted consequences for US businesses and consumers.

The DoJ’s announcement follows a landmark court ruling in August that found Google had maintained its dominance of online search through illegal practices.

The Justice Department said it is considering “means that would prevent Google from using products like the Chromethe Play and the Android for the benefit of Google search and products related to Google search.”

In a blog post, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said the recommendations “exceed the jurisdiction of the government».

The Department of Justice is expected to submit a more detailed set of proposals by November 20.

Google will be able to submit them its own proposed remedies until December 20.

The court battle in August that cost Google

The court ruling in August was a major blow to Alphabet, Google’s parent company.

It followed a 10-week trial in which prosecutors accused Google of paying billions of dollars a year to companies including Apple and Samsung to ensure it is their default search engine.

Google’s lawyers argued that users are drawn to the search engine because they find it useful and that Google is investing to make it better for consumers.

There are other lawsuits pending against major US tech companies – including its owners Facebook Meta, Amazon and Apple – who accuse them of anti-competitive practices.

The lawsuits are part of efforts by US authorities to boost competition in the industry.