Collateral Damage: How Small Businesses Could Lose Big in the DOJ’s Fight Against Google
The remedies phase of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) “search” suit against Google is well underway, and it could have serious consequences for small businesses across the country. Last fall, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta found that Google violated antitrust law by making contracts with phone manufacturers that ensured its search tools were the default options on their devices.
Now, however, instead of proposing remedies focused on that specific conduct, the DOJ is pushing to break up Google — jeopardizing its system of affordable, effective digital tools that millions of small businesses rely on to grow and succeed. The DOJ’s extreme proposals include forcing Google to sell its Chrome browser and possibly its Android mobile operating system; hand over search algorithms and user data to competitors; and change integrated tools like Maps and Reviews so they’re no more convenient to use than rivals’ tools.
These “remedies” would deal a serious blow to small businesses. Free tools like Google Business Profile — which seamlessly integrates Search, Maps, and Reviews to provide customers with reliable information about local businesses — could be splintered. That would make it harder for businesses to draw customers to their websites and brick-and-mortar shops. Data-powered ads — one of small businesses’ best tools for reaching customers — could become far less effective, making it more difficult and expensive for small businesses to reach likely customers. And Google’s data analytics tools, which help small businesses make the most of their marketing and advertising dollars, would no longer offer high-value insights — making it tough for small businesses to make smart, strategic advertising and marketing investments.
Furthermore, if Chrome is sold off, its new owner is unlikely to be able to maintain the same level of security and functionality Google currently provides, meaning billions of users would experience glitchier, less secure web experiences. That’s terrible for the millions of small businesses that reach customers and sell goods and services online. Android would likely suffer similar setbacks, with similarly damaging consequences for small businesses and consumers. And forcing Google to share its search algorithms and results would open the door to major privacy risks and data breaches. It would also remove the incentive for Google (and others in the sector) to keep innovating — slowing the advancement of new, more efficient tools and services for consumers and small businesses.
Small businesses have been left out of the conversation, and their voices need to be heard. As the remedies process moves forward, Judge Mehta must carefully consider how the DOJ’s extreme proposals could harm millions of small businesses that depend on digital tools to find customers, compete, and succeed. Amid new tariffs, rising costs, and broad economic uncertainty, small businesses can’t afford to lose those tools. In the government’s fight against Google, small businesses stand to lose big.
