The US Department of Justice is pushing for Google to sell Chrome as part of an effort to break up its search monopoly.
This follows a ruling in August that Google unlawfully monopolised the search market, with Chrome being a key part of that dominance, holding over 65% of the browser market, according to Bloomberg.
The DOJ and several states involved in the case recommend that federal judge Amit Mehta order the sale of Chrome to address these concerns.
Google has been embroiled in the lawsuit since 2020.
In addition to the DOJ, 38 states’ attorneys general have joined the lawsuit against Google. After a two-month trial, the ruling in August found that Google had illegally monopolized the search market. The DOJ is now filing proposals to break up this monopoly, with Chrome being a central target. Chrome is seen as a key access point to Google’s ecosystem, which influenced the decision to target it over Android. The DOJ had also considered forcing Google to sell Android but chose Chrome as a less severe option.
In addition to the DOJ, 38 states’ attorneys general have joined the lawsuit against Google.
After a two-month trial, the ruling in August found that Google had illegally monopolized the search market.
The DOJ is now filing proposals to break up this monopoly, with Chrome being a central target.
Chrome is seen as a key access point to Google’s ecosystem, which influenced the decision to target it over Android.
The DOJ had also considered forcing Google to sell Android but chose Chrome as a less severe option.
Google plans to appeal the August ruling but has not yet filed the appeal. Meanwhile, Judge Mehta will hold a two-week trial in April 2025 to address Google’s illegal practices, with a ruling expected in August 2025.
While Chrome is the primary focus, the DOJ is also targeting other aspects of Google’s operations.
Recommendations include requiring Google to license content used in its AI products, such as AI-generated overviews in search results.
Additionally, officials suggest detaching Android from other Google products like the Play Store to reduce its dominance.
