Following the landmark antitrust ruling in August, Google has offered up an alternative to the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) call for the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser last month. Google described the DOJ's proposal as "overbroad" and put forth its own solutions in a filing on Dec. 20.

Reportedly, for a period of three years, Google's proposal would stop the company from making deals where it ties licenses for its services like Chrome, Search, and Google Play to the requirement that other apps like Google Assistant or Gemini AI are also pre-installed or prioritized.

However, it would still let Google pay for its search engine to be the default in web browsers. The difference is that Google would have to make separate deals for different browsers or platforms, and the terms of these deals would need to be reviewed at least once a year.

Four months ago, federal judge Amit Mehta sided with the DOJ in what is being described as the biggest antitrust case since the 1990s, against Google, ruling that the search giant "is a monopolist" and acted illegally in order to maintain its dominance.

The government successfully argued that Google performs roughly 90% of the world's searches, and that its multibillion-dollar payments to Apple and Mozilla -- which make Google the default on their devices and browsers -- help it suppress competition. The ruling is the first major internet-era decision challenging Big Tech's power with antitrust cases against Apple, Amazon and Meta still to come.

This antitrust case could have major consequences for Google and the tech industry. If Google is found guilty, it may be forced to change how it bundles its services like Search, Chrome, and Android, reducing its dominance in these areas.

Google might also lose the ability to sign exclusive deals with companies like Apple or device manufacturers to make its services the default. This could lead to increased competition in search engines, browsers, and mobile apps, benefiting consumers with more choices but potentially making the tech ecosystem more complex.

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The case may set a precedent for antitrust actions against other tech giants like Apple or Amazon, leading to stricter regulations and more competition across the industry. Google could face financial penalties, and its reputation might suffer, particularly if users feel the search giant has abused its market power.

While the case could make tech services more competitive, it might also disrupt existing partnerships and integrations, resulting in a less seamless user experience. Ultimately, the case could lead to long-term shifts in the digital landscape, promoting innovation but also changing the way companies operate and compete in the market.