Google's Empire Strikes Back... Or Does It!?

A Galaxy Far Far Away... Or Just Japan

This is the way. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) those clever Jawas of justice have just tossed a thermal detonator into Google's engine. Seems they're not too fond of how Google's been strong arming Android manufacturers. Apparently Google was making deals that would make even a Hutt blush forcing manufacturers to push Google Search and Chrome like a desperate bounty hunter pushing coaxium. I have spoken.

The Licensing Menace

Now I'm no expert on legal mumbo jumbo but even I know that something smells fishy when you're twisting arms to get your apps front and center. Google in its infinite wisdom was using licensing agreements like a Mandalorian uses Beskar armor: to protect their own interests no matter the cost. They were basically saying 'You want the Play Store? Then you better make Google Search the star of the show.' It's like telling a droid they can only serve blue milk even if the customer wants something stronger.

No Room for Rivals: The Dark Side of Advertising Revenue

But here's the kicker: if the manufacturers even thought about promoting other search services Google would withhold a portion of the advertising revenue. That's colder than Hoth in winter. It's like a Krayt Dragon guarding its pearl except instead of a pearl it's advertising money. This is NOT the way.

Global Scrutiny: We Are Not Alone

Turns out the JFTC isn't the only one raising an eyebrow. The U.S. and Britain are also poking around Google's business practices like Grogu poking around the Razor Crest's controls. A U.S. judge even declared Google a monopoly! The company has more enemies than I have bounties. I sense a great disturbance in the Force... or maybe just a lot of lawyers.

The Punishment: A Slap on the Wrist or a Trip to the Sarlacc Pit?

So what's the JFTC's solution? A cease and desist order telling Google to stop playing favorites and let manufacturers choose what they want to promote. They've also got to let that advertising revenue flow more freely. Plus they need to hire a third party to make sure they're playing nice. It's like putting a restraining bolt on a rogue droid. Let's hope it works.

The Future: This Is The Way... Forward?

Will Google clean up its act? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the galaxy is watching. And if Google steps out of line again well I know a few bounty hunters who would be happy to collect. This is the way... or at least it should be. I have spoken.