The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) is intensifying its antitrust case against Google, proposing to ask a judge to compel the company to divest its Chrome browser. This plan comes after a ruling found Google guilty of monopolizing the search market. Along with this, the DoJ seeks to address Google’s control over Android and data licensing. If the judge approves, the proposals could significantly reshape competition in both the search and tech industries.
Antitrust Battle Intensifies
The DoJ’s latest push follows an August ruling by federal judge Amit Mehta, which found that Google had illegally monopolized the online search market. This marked a significant victory for the government in its long-running case against the tech giant. The case, initiated under the Trump administration and carried forward by President Biden, has become one of the most consequential antitrust battles since the Microsoft monopoly trial in the late 1990s.
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Proposed Remedies: Chrome, AI, and Android
The DoJ plans to recommend several structural remedies to address Google’s monopolistic practices. Chief among these is the forced sale of Chrome, the most widely used browser in the world, which accounts for approximately 61% of browser usage in the U.S. Chrome serves as a critical gateway to Google’s search engine, which holds a staggering 90% share of the global search market.
Other remedies under consideration include separating Google’s Android operating system from its other products, such as the Play Store and search engine, which are currently bundled. Additionally, the DoJ seeks to impose data licensing requirements, compelling Google to share search data and results with competitors. This move aims to level the playing field for rival search engines and emerging AI companies.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence
The Justice Department is also scrutinizing Google’s use of artificial intelligence. Google has integrated AI-generated responses, called “AI Overviews,” into its search results. Critics argue this reduces web traffic to content creators, as users often don’t click beyond Google’s interface. The proposed remedies may include giving websites more control over their data’s usage in Google’s AI tools.
Google Pushes Back
Unsurprisingly, Google has vowed to fight these proposals. Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company’s vice president of regulatory affairs, accused the DoJ of pursuing a “radical agenda” that could harm consumers, developers, and U.S. technological leadership. Google argues that its services benefit users and that forced structural changes would undermine innovation.
Broader Antitrust Crackdown
This case is part of a broader effort to curb the power of Big Tech. In October, Google was also ordered to open Android to rival app stores following another antitrust case. The DoJ’s aggressive stance reflects a shift in U.S. antitrust policy, which now emphasizes breaking up dominant tech firms to foster competition.
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Google must submit its proposed remedies by December 20. A two-week hearing in April 2024 will allow Judge Mehta to consider the government’s recommendations, with a final ruling expected by August 2025. If approved, these measures could drastically alter Google’s operations and weaken its dominance in both the search and AI markets.