Name five search engines - no Googling! It's probably not easy for many, because most only use Google. In August, a court in the USA officially confirmed that Google has a monopoly over internet search.
In itself, this is not legally problematic, because monopolies in the US are legal. "However, you must not take steps that solidify that monopoly," says Nicholas Gugenberger, a law professor at the University of Houston.
Monopoly - by unfair means
The court found that Google defends its monopoly by unfair means.
At the center of the proceedings were multimillion-dollar deals, thanks to which Google's search engine was preset as "the main". For example, Google paid Apple billions to make its search engine the main one in the Safari browser on the iPhone. Users can choose a different search engine at any time. – but many still stick with the initial setting.
This power on the Internet could have drastic consequences for Google: The US Department of Justice is threatening to crack down on the California-based company. But how realistic is that and how long could it take for a decision to be made?
"We want competition among companies to become the best -- not because they use their monopoly and secure their power through contracts," says Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department in Washington.
“We believe that companies are better off when they have competition pushing them.” His biggest and toughest task is to reenact that with Google.
What makes Google so powerful?
Almost everyone searches the Internet using Google. Microsoft's Bing, DakDakGo (DuckDuckGo) or Yahoo (Yahoo) play almost no role.
By using vast amounts of data on its users, Google can target ads: Last year alone, Google earned about $480 billion from its search engine alone.
Search is also closely linked to other Google platforms, such as the Android operating system for mobile phones and the Chrome browser.
In addition, Google has had a lot of room to maneuver until now. Antitrust agencies, for example, allowed the purchase of YouTube, so Google could grow further - just like other tech companies. At one point, the Government in Washington saw this.
"What we are seeing in America is the awakening of antitrust law," says Professor Gugenberger. Both the Department of Justice and the US Federal Commission have taken measures against some technology platforms and are already having their first successes in court, says Gugenberger.
Breaking up would be nice, but it probably won't happen
Is breaking Google realistic? It will be better if it isn't, Professor Gugenberger believes: "If I had to bet, I would say that the court will not order a large demolition." Because such things are extremely rare in the US. The chances of demolition are below 50 percent.
It is much more likely that individual measures will be taken. For example, Google could be barred from entering into multibillion-dollar deals with Apple to remain a major search engine.
However, Gugenberger also says: "I think it would be right to order such a break-up." That would be the only step that would ensure the return of competition in the long run.
Google appeals to the interests of its users
According to Google, restrictions or even breaking them would have unforeseen and negative consequences: on the one hand for the American economy, and on the other for users.
Apparently, users would have trouble getting the information. The company's blog says: "Broad contract restrictions intended to facilitate access to Google search would cause problems for people who simply want to get information."
Also, companies could be damaged. Phone manufacturers that make devices for Google's Android operating system may have to raise prices, Google claims.
It could be many years before a final decision is made
The United States v. Google case has been going on for years. That the Justice Department has now asked to consider breaking up Google is the latest development in the case.
The final decision must be made by the US Supreme Court, and there is still a long way to go. "We are just at the very beginning," says Professor Gugenberger.
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