U.S. Justice Department Seeks to Force Google to Sell Chrome Over Antitrust Practices

The measure aims to curb the alleged monopoly of internet searches and could mark a turning point in technology regulation.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has intensified its fight against Google, demanding that the company sell its browser Google Chrome as part of a strategy to balance the market and combat monopolistic practices in the realm of internet searches. The decision, which must be evaluated by federal judge Amit Mehta, could represent a historic milestone in the regulation of big tech companies.

The backdrop of the case: monopoly accusations

According to the DOJ, Google has illegally monopolized the online search market, using Chrome as a tool to consolidate its dominant position. Chrome, the most widely used browser in the United States with a 61% market share, plays a central role in Google’s ecosystem, serving as a platform to promote the use of its search engine and other services, such as Google Ads and Google Play.

The proposed measure would not only affect Chrome. Significant changes are also being proposed for Android, Google’s mobile operating system, although without requiring its sale. In this case, the DOJ demands that Android be independent of the company’s core services, such as the Google search engine and Google Play, which would allow users to freely choose which applications and services they wish to use.

A case that began during the Trump administration

This case is not new. It was initiated during Donald Trump’s administration and has continued under Joe Biden’s presidency, reflecting a bipartisan consensus on the need to regulate big tech companies. In August of this year, Judge Mehta already ruled that Google was violating antitrust laws, setting the precedent for the current action.

The DOJ believes that the integration of Chrome with Google’s services disincentivizes competition and creates entry barriers for other companies. Cross-promotion within the browser, which encourages the use of Google products, has been pointed out as a practice that limits competitiveness in the sector.

Google’s defense

Google has rejected the accusations, calling the DOJ’s measure “radical” and harmful to consumers. According to Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, the government’s actions “would harm developers, consumers, and American technological leadership at a critical time.” Google argues that Chrome and its other services provide significant benefits to users and foster innovation.

Android also under scrutiny

Although the sale of Android is not on the table, the DOJ’s proposal seeks to separate the operating system from other Google services. This would mean that Android device users could opt to install third-party search engines, browsers, and app stores when setting up their devices. If implemented, this measure could pave the way for new players in the app and browser market.

A paradigm shift in the tech sector

If Judge Mehta agrees to the DOJ’s request, we would face one of the largest regulatory blows to a big tech company in recent history. The decision would not only have implications for Google, but it could also set a precedent for future actions against other major companies in the sector, such as Meta, Amazon, or Apple.

The global impact of antitrust regulations

The action against Google comes amid growing global scrutiny of big tech companies. In Europe, the European Commission recently imposed hefty fines on Meta for violations of competition laws, while China and other markets have also intensified their regulation.

For now, the final outcome of the case rests in Judge Mehta’s hands, but what is clear is that big tech companies are facing an era of increased regulation and oversight, aimed at ensuring a more competitive and equitable market. The legal battle against Google could be the first major step toward a new paradigm in the relationship between governments and “big tech.”