Tech giant Google is deeply embroiled in an antitrust storm, as US Department of Justice officials reportedly decide to request a judge to force Google to sell its own Chrome browser. This will be one of the most severe actions taken against a global tech giant in history.
In August of this year, a US judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws in the internet search market. According to Bloomberg, sources reveal that the Department of Justice will request a judge to force Google to sell its own Chrome browser and will also ask the judge to require Google to take measures involving AI and the Android smartphone operating system.
Officials from state governments and the Department of Justice, who are involved in this case, also plan to propose to the judge the mandatory implementation of data licensing requirements this Wednesday.
If the judge accepts these proposals, it could reshape the internet search market and the thriving AI industry. This case was initiated during the first term of the Trump administration and has continued under the Biden administration. It is the most severe action taken to curb tech companies since the failed attempt to split Microsoft over 20 years ago.
Having the most popular global web browser, Chrome is crucial to Google’s advertising business, allowing Google to view the activities of logged-in users and use this data for more targeted promotions, which is its main source of revenue. Google has also been using Chrome to direct users to its AI product, Gemini.
Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, stated that the Department of Justice is “advancing an agenda beyond the scope of this case” and that government intervention in competition in this way will harm consumers, developers, and America’s tech leadership.
Chrome may be forced to sell
Sources indicate that antitrust officials hope the judge will order Google to sell Chrome because Chrome is an important gateway for many people to use Google’s search engine. However, the government may choose to postpone the decision on whether Chrome needs to be sold, as long as other remedies are sufficient to promote market competition. According to StatCounter data, Chrome has a market share of about 61% in the US market.
It is reported that government lawyers have met with dozens of companies in the past three months to prepare recommendations. Some states are still considering adding some proposals, and some details may change. Antitrust officials have abandoned more severe options, such as forcing Google to sell Android.
Google plans to appeal
After the judge ruled in August that Google violated antitrust laws in the internet search market, Google has repeatedly stated its intention to appeal. The judge is scheduled to hold a two-week hearing in April next year to discuss what changes Google must make to correct its illegal behavior, and plans to make a final ruling by August 2025. This means that Google still has enough time to coordinate remedial measures.
Sources indicate that if Chrome is forcibly separated, interested buyers, companies that have the ability, possibility, and willingness, such as Amazon, are also facing antitrust reviews, which may hinder such large-scale transactions.
