The U.S. Justice Department is considering asking a judge to force Google to divest its Chrome web browser, according to Bloomberg. The move follows an antitrust ruling that found Google illegally maintaining its monopoly in online search. Here are the highlights of the complex and potentially transformative case.
Background and allegations of anticompetitive practices
The case originally dates back to the Trump administration, but has found new vigor under the Biden administration. U.S. authorities accuse Google of using a variety of practices to establish and maintain its dominance in the online search market. The Mountain View firm holds more than 90% of the market share, largely dominating its competitors thanks in part to costly business deals with mobile device makers like Apple and Samsung. By paying to have its search engine installed by default on these devices, Google is gaining a significant advantage with consumers.
Amit Mehta, a federal judge in Washington, has condemned Google for these practices deemed anticompetitive. The trial will officially begin in August 2025, after a series of hearings scheduled for April and the formal receipt of the Justice Department’s request in November 2024.
Why Google Chrome is at the heart of the controversy
Google Chrome, the most widely used browser in the world with about 61% market share in the United States according to StatCounter, plays a central role in the indictment against Google. By controlling this powerful tool, Google not only ensures direct access to its search engine, but also reduces the options available to users wishing to opt for alternative search engines. The increased scrutiny has prompted antitrust authorities to propose that Google spin off the web browser in order to reduce the effects of its monopoly.
The proposed separation raises complex questions about the impact on the open-source Chromium project, on which Chrome is based. There are questions about Google’s future ability to continue developing Chromium after the sale and the exact terms of the strategic split.
The stakes surrounding Android and Google’s associated services
In addition to the potential sale of Chrome, authorities are planning to separate Android from Google’s other flagship products, such as its search engine and its app store, Google Play. The move is intended to give smartphone manufacturers and users greater freedom of choice over the services they want to install and use on their devices.
Google fiercely defends its integrated model, arguing that separating Android and its associated services would weaken their ecosystem. Some experts share this view, suggesting that less drastic measures such as banning the pre-installation of Chrome and other Google services on Android devices could be enough to restore a more level playing field.
Other Measures Recommended by the Justice Department
In addition to the sales and carve-ups discussed, the Justice Department is considering imposing other operational restrictions on Google. Among these recommendations is requiring Google to license its search engine data and results to third parties to allow for greater competition. In addition, websites indexed by Google Search should be given the option to opt out of having their data used to train artificial intelligence technologies.
These proposals are intended to rebalance the market while reducing the current concentration of power in Google’s hands. If implemented, these measures would provide a more level playing field for rival companies trying to compete with Google.
In the meantime, Google is already preparing its defense and plans to appeal if necessary. The company argues that the separations would not only harm its products but also overall consumer benefits. Many observers also believe that the measures risk creating additional legal complications and would further delay their implementation.
Whatever happens at the trial scheduled for next August, it is clear that this case will mark a turning point in how governments approach regulating tech titans.
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