Google faces employee shift to comply with antitrust case demands
- Google's head of search, Liz Reid, testified that 1,000 to 2,000 employees would need to be redirected for compliance with DOJ remedies.
- The DOJ proposed measures including data sharing and stopping 'compelled syndication' practices that secure Google's default status on iPhones.
- The outcomes of this antitrust case could have profound implications for Google's operations and the tech industry's regulatory landscape.
In the United States, Google's head of search, Liz Reid, testified on May 9, 2025, during the ongoing antitrust remedies trial. Reid stated that to implement some of the Department of Justice's proposed remedies targeting Google's monopoly in internet search, the company would need to shift 20% of its search team, which amounts to around 1,000 to 2,000 employees. This is a significant calculation as the trial approaches its conclusion, with closing arguments slated for May 29 and 30, followed by a judge's ruling expected in August. The DOJ's antitrust suit against Google accused the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly in its core search market. Among the remedies proposed by the DOJ, one notable suggestion was that Google should share essential data used for generating search results, which includes click data that helps optimize user experience and outcomes. Reid's testimony raised concerns about privacy risks associated with sharing such data, emphasizing that Google's proprietary