Justice Department Pushes for Google to Sell Chrome in Ongoing Antitrust Battle
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) is intensifying its legal challenge against Google’s dominance in the digital space, requesting a federal judge to order the immediate divestiture of the company’s Chrome browser. This latest move is part of the government’s broader antitrust case, which accuses Google of monopolistic practices in the search and digital advertising markets.
In its filing, the DoJ argues that Google has unfairly leveraged Chrome to strengthen its control over search and advertising, creating an anti-competitive advantage that limits consumer choice and stifles industry competition. By bundling Chrome with Android, the government alleges that Google has built an ecosystem that makes it difficult for smaller competitors to thrive.
“Google’s illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that – no matter what occurs – Google always wins,” the DoJ stated in court documents.
The government is urging Judge Amit P. Mehta of the DC District Court to order Alphabet Inc. to divest Chrome to a “vetted” buyer, ensuring that national security interests are protected in the process. If successful, this move would force Google to sell its widely used browser to a competitor, marking a significant shake-up in the tech industry.
Potential Implications for Google and the Tech Industry
The DoJ has already secured a major legal victory against Google in a separate case related to its search engine practices, where it was found to have engaged in anticompetitive agreements to maintain its dominance. Now, with Chrome under scrutiny, the case could extend further, potentially leading to government action against Android, the world’s most popular mobile operating system.
Industry experts speculate that if the government successfully forces Chrome’s divestiture, Android could be next in line. The Justice Department has already revised its proposed remedies to include the possibility of breaking up Google’s mobile ecosystem.
Google, however, strongly opposes any forced divestitures.
“DoJ’s sweeping proposals continue to go miles beyond the Court’s decision and would harm America’s consumers, economy, and national security,” a Google spokesperson said in response.
The company has maintained that its products enhance user experience and are offered for free, arguing that this does not constitute anti-competitive behavior.
What’s Next?
With government officials pushing for action, the case could move toward a trial in the next year, potentially leading to one of the biggest corporate breakups in tech history. If Chrome is separated from Google, it could open the door for new competitors in the browser market, but also introduce uncertainty about how the internet ecosystem will function without Google’s tightly integrated services.
The outcome of this legal battle could reshape the future of digital technology, with long-term effects still unclear. Some believe breaking up Google’s ecosystem could foster greater competition, while others warn it may lead to a less user-friendly and fragmented online experience.
