Top Justice Department antitrust officials have decided to ask a judge to force Alphabet’s Google to sell off its Chrome browser @EP_SingleMarket https://t.co/GHzP3Em1TV via @technology
— Andreas Schwab @ASchwab.bsky.social (@Andreas_Schwab) November 19, 2024
The US Justice Department has asked a federal judge to force Google to sell its Chrome internet browser in an effort to curb alleged Big Tech monopolies. The move is part of a landmark antitrust case against Google, which a judge ruled had illegally maintained a search monopoly through its practices. In addition to the proposed sale of Chrome, the government has given Google a choice: sell its Android smartphone operating system or be barred from making its services mandatory on Android phones.
This decision to force Google to sell Chrome will significantly impact the future of the web.https://t.co/lGwLu4EgrT
— Tariq KRIM (@tariqkrim) November 21, 2024
If Google violates these conditions or the remedies fail to enhance competition, the government can mandate the sale of Android in the future. The government also wants to prevent Google from forming paid agreements with companies like Apple to be the default search engine on their products. Google may also be required to allow rival search engines access to its data and the ability to display results on their platforms for the next decade.
Forcing Google to sell Chrome is absurd. Chrome is worth billions to Google but not on the open market. And any company that buys it would just be creating a new monopoly. Also ridiculous: proposals to untie Play from Android, which is impossible. https://t.co/QaDE85lZrN
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) November 18, 2024
These proposed measures are the most substantial remedies in a tech antitrust case since the Justice Department sought to break up Microsoft in 2000. If adopted, they could reshape the landscape of tech giants, including Apple, Amazon, and Meta.
DoJ challenges Google’s market practices
Wow: the DoJ's antitrust enforcers are "set to propose that Google uncouple its Android smartphone operating system from its other products, including search and its Google Play mobile app store," according to Bloomberg.
The DoJ has reportedly "pulled back from a more severe…
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) November 18, 2024
Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, criticized the DOJ’s approach, stating, “The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case. The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers, and American technological leadership precisely when needed.”
There is speculation that a new Trump administration, starting January 20, might change the course of this case. Previously, Trump’s DOJ also pursued Google for alleged monopoly practices but suggested that fairer practices could be enforced without breaking up the company.
District of Columbia District Court Judge Amit Mehta, who has already sided with the DOJ’s monopoly argument, will decide what should happen next during a separate “remedies” phase of the trial likely to begin in 2025. Google has vowed to appeal the decision. If Google’s appeal results in a finding that it did not break the law, the judge would lose the authority to impose remedies.
Conversely, if Google is ordered to change its behavior, Judge Mehta may later adjust his orders to ensure effective competition restoration. The case continues to unfold, with significant implications for the future of online competition and the operations of major tech companies. The breakup of Chrome and Android would be one of the most severe consequences for Google, as Chrome dominates the web browser market with an estimated 67 percent global share.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
