The Department of Justice (DOJ) is poised to request a significant divestiture from Alphabet Inc.’s Google, proposing that the tech giant sell off its Chrome browser. This move could have far-reaching implications for Google’s business model, particularly its dominant position in the online search market, which a federal judge has previously ruled as illegally monopolized.
This request is part of a larger antitrust case against Google, which was initiated during the Trump administration and is ongoing under President Biden. The proceedings are seen as one of the most aggressive attempts by US regulators to limit the dominance of a major technology company since the Microsoft case two decades ago. The lead judge, Amit Mehta, had ruled in August that Google violated antitrust laws related to its online search and advertising operations. The tech company has already announced its intention to appeal this ruling.
The DOJ is also recommending additional measures that include requiring Google to license its search data, allow more advertiser control, and ensure websites have options to restrict the use of their content in Google’s AI products. Of particular interest is the DOJ’s focus on Google’s artificial intelligence initiatives, given their increasing significance in tech and business strategy.
Among other proposals, the DOJ suggests severing the ties between Google’s Android smartphone operating system and other Google services like the Google Play Store. These measures aim to foster a more competitive environment, potentially allowing alternative search engines and AI startups to emerge or expand.
Google has publicly condemned these proposals, arguing that they overreach and could harm consumers, developers, and inhibit American innovation. Google currently leads the US browser market with Chrome, which holds approximately 61% market share, according to data from StatCounter. As the hearing set for April 2025 approaches, Google and the DOJ will continue their legal battle, which could ultimately reshape the technology and search landscape dramatically.