Google Faces Push to Sell Chrome Browser Amid Antitrust Battle
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed that Google sell off its popular Chrome browser in a bid to curb its dominance in the online search market. The filing follows an August ruling by federal judge Amit Mehta, which found that Google violated antitrust laws by stifling competition.
The DOJ argues that Google’s control over Chrome provides a critical access point for its search engine, reinforcing its dominance. By selling Chrome, the government hopes to level the playing field for rival search engines. The DOJ stated the divestiture would “allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet.”
The recommendation is part of a broader set of remedies aimed at dismantling the tech giant’s alleged monopoly on search and advertising.
What other recommendations have the DOJ given?
In addition to selling Chrome, the DOJ has called for restrictions on Google’s contracts with companies like Apple and Samsung, which make Google Search the default on many mobile devices. These agreements reportedly cost Google billions annually but have been key to maintaining its search engine’s market share.
The DOJ’s proposals also include oversight of Google’s advertising business. A technical committee would monitor changes to its ad auction processes, ensuring transparency and fairness. These remedies, the DOJ says, are designed to break the feedback loop that has allowed Google to dominate search and search-related advertising.
The filing also targets Google’s Android operating system, with the DOJ urging for restrictions to prevent it from favouring the company’s search and ad services. While the DOJ stopped short of recommending the sale of Android, it suggested revisiting the idea if other remedies fail to curb Google’s dominance.
Google pushes back against DOJ recommendations
Google has pushed back strongly, labelling the proposed measures as extreme. Kent Walker, the company’s president of global affairs, said the DOJ’s plan “goes miles beyond the Court’s decision” and would harm consumers and America’s leadership in technology. The company plans to appeal the monopoly ruling, which could delay any final decisions.
This case marks the most significant attempt to regulate a tech company since the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft in the 1990s. Prosecutors argue that Google’s agreements and control over key platforms create insurmountable barriers for competitors, locking them out of the market.
Critics of Google’s practices have pointed out that its exclusive deals and ecosystem control have blocked innovation. “Without any real possibility of reaching consumers, no one will invest in such innovation,” said Professor Laura Phillips-Sawyer, an antitrust expert.
While a breakup of Google’s business remains uncertain, the DOJ’s filing has reignited debates about regulating Big Tech. Google has until December 20th to propose its own remedies, with a trial set for April. Any changes could reshape the search market, potentially giving competitors a chance to thrive.
For now, Google remains firmly in the DOJ’s crosshairs as the government seeks to limit the company’s influence in the tech landscape.
