How Will Google Whack Back?

Unsurprisingly, Google has vowed to contest the proposed remedies. In a blog post, its vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said that the company will respond in detail and ultimately make its case in court next year.

“The government seems to be pursuing a sweeping agenda that will impact numerous industries and products, with significant unintended consequences for consumers, businesses, and American competitiveness.” – Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google

She set out several areas in which Google is likely to plead its case, including the risks to privacy and security of users, harm to businesses and advertisers, the inevitable rise in costs of devices using Google software, and the general shackles it would have on American tech sector innovation.

“We believe that today’s blueprint goes well beyond the legal scope of the Court’s decision about Search distribution contracts,” she said, adding that the government had overreached its role in this case.