Today’s digest looks at the DOJ’s revised proposed judgement to remedy Google’s search dominance, Google removing diverse language from its Responsible AI team webpage, and a potential sale on the horizon for TikTok’s US business. 

Latest DOJ Proposal Still Calls for Google Breakup

The US DOJ is still pushing for a breakup of Google, calling for the company to sell off its Chrome browser, according to the latest filing on the matter. The court filing states: “An effective remedy must safeguard against further market foreclosure and the exclusion of rivals through the use of self-preferencing. To that end, the RPFJ [revised proposed final judgement] continues to require Google to divest Chrome.” 

Regarding third-party agreements, the document states that the proposed remedies have not changed, other than to allow Google to make non-search-related payments to Apple – in other words, Google will no longer be able to pay companies such as Apple to ensure being the default search engine on its devices. The filing prohibits Google from: “entering exclusive agreements with content publishers; bundling, tying, or commingling its general search engine or search access point with any other Google product; entering revenue share agreements related to the distribution of general search services; or participating in investments in, collaborations with, or acquisitions of its competitors or potential competitors in the general search services or general search text ads markets without prior notification to Plaintiffs.”

Google Removes Diverse Language from Responsible AI Team Webpage 

In other Google-related news, the tech titan has removed mentions of ‘diversity’ and ‘equity’ from its Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology team webpage. Descriptions of the team’s work which included phrasing such as “marginalised communities” and “underrepresented groups” has been replaced with less specific wording. This follows Google’s announcement last month that it would be terminating its DEI hiring targets and reviewing its DEI programmes. 

TikTok US Business Close to Sale?

Elsewhere in the US, President Trump is pushing ahead with negotiations for a sale of TikTok’s US business. He said he has been in talks with four different potential buyers, and that a deal would come “soon”, reports Bloomberg. The potential buyers have not been named, however. Last week, Trump said he would be open to extending the 5th April deadline to grant the video giant more time for a sale to be agreed on before a ban of the app in the country, although it looks like a deal could be reached before then.