According to a report by Bloomberg, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning to urge a federal judge to compel Google to divest its popular Chrome browser as part of efforts to address the company’s monopoly in the search market. This development follows a legal ruling in August 2024, which determined that Google had unlawfully dominated the search sector.
In addition to the proposed sale of Chrome, the DOJ's strategy encompasses various measures aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Android operating system. Antitrust officials, along with states involved in the case, intend to recommend that Judge Amit Mehta impose data licensing requirements on Google.
If implemented, these recommendations could significantly alter the landscape of both online search and the burgeoning AI industry. Bloomberg reports that the DOJ's proposal to sell Chrome stems from concerns over the integration of Google Search with the Chrome browser, which regulators argue stifles competition.
Among the other proposals being considered is the separation of the Android operating system from Google Search and the Google Play Store. While these services come pre-installed on Android devices, the specifics of how this separation would function remain unclear, especially regarding the Play Store, which is an essential component of the Android ecosystem. The DOJ had previously contemplated a complete divestiture of Android but ultimately decided against it.
Moreover, the DOJ is expected to recommend that Google be required to license its data and allow unrestricted access to combine Google search results with those from competing search engines and AI startups. This would enable these entities to develop their own search indexes, thereby fostering more competition. Additionally, Google may be mandated to provide advertisers with greater access to data, allowing them to have better control over their advertisement placements.
The DOJ may also seek to prohibit Google from entering exclusive agreements, such as its arrangement with Apple, which designates Google Search as the default engine for Safari—a deal that reportedly cost Google about $20 billion in 2022.
Currently, Google is appealing the court's ruling regarding its monopoly status, with a two-week hearing scheduled for April 2025 to discuss necessary changes for eliminating anticompetitive practices in its search operations. The final ruling on this matter is anticipated in August 2025.
This case, which originated during the Trump administration and has continued under President Biden, marks a significant effort to regulate major tech companies, reminiscent of the Microsoft antitrust case from the late 1990s. Google's ownership of Chrome is pivotal to its advertising revenue, as it allows the company to track user behavior and enhance targeted advertising efforts.
Antitrust officials emphasize that selling Chrome is essential, as it acts as a crucial gateway to Google's search engine. However, the government may reconsider the necessity of this sale if alternative remedies succeed in fostering a more competitive environment.
The DOJ declined to comment on these developments. In response, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, criticized the DOJ's approach, stating that it "pushes a radical agenda that transcends the legal issues at hand." She cautioned that government intervention in this manner could negatively impact consumers, developers, and the technological leadership of the US at a critical juncture.
Over the past three months, government attorneys have consulted with various companies while preparing their recommendations. States are still assessing additional proposals, and details may evolve as the situation develops. Notably, antitrust officials have opted against pursuing the more drastic measure of forcing Google to sell Android.
As the case progresses, the upcoming hearing in April will be crucial in determining the steps Google must take to rectify its alleged illegal conduct, with a decisive ruling expected by August 2025.
Zainab Y.
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