Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, has committed to spending $500 million over the next 10 years to strengthen its internal compliance and regulatory oversight systems. This significant move comes in response to a shareholder lawsuit that accuses Google’s leadership of failing to prevent repeated antitrust violations over the years.

Why Google Is Under Scrutiny

The scrutiny began in 2021 when a Michigan-based pension fund — a shareholder in Alphabet — filed a lawsuit alleging that the company’s top executives neglected their fiduciary responsibilities. According to the complaint, the leadership allowed Google to engage in monopolistic practices unchecked.

Although the lawsuit was filed in 2021, the issue gained traction between 2023 and 2025, when Google lost several high-profile antitrust cases. These included legal battles related to app distribution with Epic Games, online advertising dominance, and other competition-related issues. These legal defeats intensified the pressure on the company to demonstrate greater corporate accountability.

Inside Google’s $500 Million Reform Plan

To rebuild stakeholder trust and avoid future legal challenges, Alphabet has outlined a comprehensive compliance strategy:

Formation of a Board-Level Compliance Committee tasked with overseeing antitrust and regulatory matters.

Direct reporting to CEO Sundar Pichai, ensuring top-level accountability.

Introduction of a strengthened whistleblower system to allow employees to report legal or ethical concerns safely and anonymously.

Enhanced data and chat retention policies, addressing concerns that Google previously deleted internal messages that could have served as evidence in legal investigations.

Case Still Awaits Court Approval

The proposed settlement is still pending final approval by U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco. While Google has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the company could also be liable for tens of millions in legal fees as part of the agreement.

Google’s Official Response

A company spokesperson stated, “Over the years, we have devoted substantial resources to building robust compliance processes. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to operate responsibly and transparently.”

Big Tech Under the Global Lens

This move comes amid growing international scrutiny of Big Tech companies. Regulatory bodies across the United States, Europe, and Asia are increasingly investigating competition-related violations in the tech industry. Alphabet’s latest commitment appears to be a proactive step toward aligning with global expectations on corporate governance and fair market practices.