Google Reacts Angrily to Report it will Have to Sell Chrome
The ongoing antitrust case against Google has taken a dramatic turn, with reports indicating the US Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to propose measures that could include forcing the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser. As the world’s most popular web browser, Chrome sits at the centre of Google’s ecosystem, raising questions about how such a move would impact the tech industry and users globally.
Google Pushes Back Against DOJ Proposal
Google has responded fiercely to reports of the DOJ’s intentions, calling the measures extreme and harmful. Lee-Anne Mulholland, a senior Google executive, criticised the government’s approach, labelling it a “radical agenda.”
“The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers, and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed,” Mulholland stated.
The DOJ’s expected recommendations follow an August ruling by Judge Amit Mehta, which concluded that Google operates a monopoly in online search. The court is now considering what remedies or penalties to impose.
The Power of Chrome and Search
Chrome dominates the global web browser market, holding a 64.61% share as of October, according to Similarweb. Meanwhile, Google’s search engine, which is the default option in Chrome and on many smartphones, accounts for nearly 90% of the global search market, per Statcounter.
Judge Mehta has previously described Google’s agreements to make its search engine the default on various platforms as “extremely valuable real estate,” noting that potential rivals face steep financial barriers to compete.
Far-Reaching Remedies on the Table
Reports suggest the DOJ’s proposals could go beyond Chrome, targeting Google’s artificial intelligence operations, Android operating system, and data practices. The aim is to curtail Google’s ability to leverage its interconnected platforms to maintain dominance in the search market.
In its defence, Google argues that breaking up its services, such as separating Chrome or Android, would disrupt its business model and harm consumers. “Splitting off parts of our business would raise costs for devices, reduce competition, and make it harder to ensure security,” the company said in an earlier response to the DOJ.
Economic and Security Concerns
The potential breakup of Google has sparked debates about the broader consequences for consumers and the tech industry. Critics worry about increased device costs, reduced innovation, and potential security vulnerabilities if Google’s unified ecosystem is dismantled.
At the same time, Google’s financial performance remains strong. In its most recent quarterly results, the company reported a 10% revenue increase in its search and advertising business, totalling $65.9 billion. CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the rapid adoption of AI-powered search tools, which he sees as key to Google’s future.
A High-Stakes Decision Looms
As the DOJ prepares to present its final proposals, the stakes are high for both Google and the broader tech industry. A breakup of Google could mark a turning point in how antitrust laws are enforced in the digital age, with far-reaching implications for technology, competition, and innovation.
The decision, expected in the coming months, will not only shape Google’s future but could also redefine the balance of power in the global tech ecosystem.
