The DOJ will request a judge to compel Google to sell Chrome

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to request that a judge compel Alphabet's (NASDAQ) Google to divest its Chrome web browser, according to a Bloomberg News report citing unnamed sources.

In addition, the DOJ will reportedly seek court-mandated changes affecting Google's artificial intelligence operations and its Android mobile operating system. The request follows an August ruling that found Google had unlawfully monopolized the search market.

Through its Chrome browser, which integrates Google search, Google significantly influences how users navigate the internet and which advertisements they encounter. Chrome, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of the global browser market, also provides Google with critical data for its advertising business.

Neither the DOJ nor Google offered detailed public comments, although Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of Regulatory Affairs, described the DOJ's approach as a "radical agenda" that would extend beyond the case's primary legal concerns and could negatively impact consumers.

This action marks one of the Biden administration's boldest moves to counter perceived monopolistic practices by Big Tech firms. However, political dynamics could shape the case's outcome, as the re-election of Donald Trump could shift priorities. Trump previously pledged to pursue legal action against Google for alleged bias but expressed hesitance about breaking up the company shortly after.

Google plans to appeal after U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta's final ruling, expected by August 2025. Mehta has scheduled a trial in April to address proposed remedies.

Potential remedies discussed by prosecutors range from terminating Google's exclusive agreements—wherein it pays billions to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ) and others to be the default search engine on devices—to divestitures, including Chrome and the Android operating system.

With Chrome's significant market share, it serves as a vital revenue stream for Google, especially as signed-in users allow for more personalized search advertising. Google asserts that its search engine success is rooted in superior quality and that it competes with alternatives such as Amazon (NASDAQ). Moreover, users can opt for other default search engines.

The DOJ retains the option to evaluate the necessity of a Chrome divestiture later if other remedies lead to a more competitive market, as noted by Bloomberg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paraphrasing text from "Reuters" all rights reserved by the original author.