Google, with potential breakup looming over its search monopoly, backs down from muzzling workers

Core Viewpoint - Google is facing a significant anti-monopoly lawsuit that could potentially lead to its breakup, and it has agreed to lift a gag order that previously restricted employees from discussing the case [1][3][4]. Group 1: Legal Developments - The U.S. Department of Justice and several states, including California, have filed an anti-monopoly lawsuit against Google, claiming it holds a monopoly over internet search [3][7]. - The judge overseeing the case, Amit Mehta, has already declared that Google holds a monopoly on internet search, with hearings set to begin on April 21 [5][3]. - The Justice Department is demanding that Google not only be barred from making preferential deals but also divest its Chrome internet browser, which is seen as a protective barrier for its digital advertising business [7]. Group 2: Employee Rights and Union Actions - The Alphabet Workers Union-CWA filed a charge against Google, claiming that the company's order to restrict employee discussions about the lawsuit violated federal labor law [2][4]. - Following a settlement, Google rescinded the order that limited employees' ability to discuss the case, which the union described as a crucial moment for workers [3][4]. - Google stated that the previous order had no effect on employees' rights to discuss their job conditions and emphasized that employees have always been free to talk about their employment [6]. Group 3: Company Position and Response - Google has characterized the anti-monopoly lawsuit as "deeply flawed," asserting that users choose Google voluntarily rather than being forced to use it [8]. - The company has expressed concerns that divesting Chrome would harm the browser and give competitors like Apple an advantage [8]. - Google is also involved in a second anti-monopoly lawsuit regarding its advertising software, which it denies holding a monopoly over [12].