Google can do what it wants.
In legalese, that would be: Google is not an arm of the government, is a corporation, and is free to do as its company governance determines is in the best interests of its shareholders.
Simply put, nobody forces users to choose to use google. There are plenty of search engines, some good, some bing, etc. Some don't protect your privacy, some duckduckgo. In the end if the choice is to use google there are advantages (they'll try to give you an answer they think you'll find useful) and disadvantages (Tim Wu might jump out from behind a bush and yell "aha!" at you).
Google's search algorithms have made this world a better place.
I'm glad they don't have to appease anyone to keep offering that superior product.
E