The recent verdict from a federal court against Google marks a milestone in the history of the internet. The decision, which declares that the tech giant acted illegally to maintain a monopoly on searches, not only confirms what many of us have suspected for years but also opens the door to a potentially very different digital future.
THE END OF AN ERA
The news doesn't surprise those of us who have closely followed Google's evolution. Since at least 2015, its dominance in the search market has been overwhelming. However, the legal confirmation of its predatory practices raises a crucial question: What do we do now?
AN EARTHQUAKE IN SILICON VALLEY
The consequences of this ruling will be felt throughout Silicon Valley. Take Apple, for example. The company could lose up to $19 billion annually if the agreements that make Google the default search engine on its devices are nullified. For the Mozilla Foundation, whose Firefox browser relies heavily on payments from Google, the impact could be even more devastating.
REIMAGINING THE FUTURE
This is where we need to be creative and bold. What measures could truly shake up the status quo and foster real competition? Allow me to propose an idea:
PROPOSAL: SHARING SEARCH ALGORITHMS
Imagine a scenario where Google is forced to share its search technology with other companies. This could allow the creation of specialized search engines.
A HEALTHIER DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Implementing this proposal, along with other measures, could transform the digital landscape. Imagine a web where:
• Users have access to a variety of search engines.
• Startups can compete on equal footing.
• Innovation thrives, driven by real competition and not the inertia of an undisputed leader.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW
This verdict represents a unique opportunity to reshape the internet. It’s time to shake off the inertia and recognize that growth through predatory maneuvers is not only illegal but detrimental to the web's evolution.
With several similar cases pending against other big tech companies, we are at a turning point. The question is: Will we have the courage to seize this moment to create a fairer, more innovative, and diverse internet?
The answer depends on all of us. The verdict against Google is just the beginning. The real challenge starts now. Are we ready to reimagine the internet?
BY ARMANDO KASSIAN
@ARKASMI