The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has proposed measures under which Google can be forced to sell its Chrome browser. This proposal, reported by Bloomberg, builds on allegations that Google illegally monopolizes the search market, using its dominance to stifle competition and innovation.
But what does this mean for Google, the search industry, and internet users?
Let’s get into the details.
The DoJ’s antitrust case against Google
This antitrust case first initiated by the DOJ on October 20, 2020, accuses Google of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. The suit claims that Google has illegally monopolized search engine and search advertising markets primarily on Android devices, as well as through partnerships with Apple and various mobile carriers.
The hearing of the case began in September 2023 in the District Court for the District of Columbia by the federal Judge Amit Mehta. And in August 2024, Mehta issued a 277-page ruling concluding that Google is a monopolist, its actions to maintain this position have hindered competition, innovation, and consumer choice.
Building on this, on November 20, 2024, the DOJ presented additional remedies in its ongoing case against Google. These include a proposal for the forced sale of the Chrome browser, a five-year ban on entering the browser market, and restrictions on paying third parties, such as Apple, to set Google as the default search engine. The DOJ also stated that if these measures do not prove effective, Google may be required to divest its Android mobile operating system.
Why the DoJ wants Google to sell Chrome?
One of the DoJ’s key proposals concerns the Chrome browser.
Google holds around 90% of the online search market, and Chrome, which controls over 50% of the U.S. browser market, is a critical gateway to its search engine. By making Google Search the default on Chrome, the company has created significant obstacles for competitors like Bing and DuckDuckGo, limiting their growth. The DoJ’s proposed remedy to sell Chrome seeks to break this cycle, allowing other search engines to compete more effectively with Google.
What happens If Google sells Chrome?
If the court orders Google to divest Chrome, Google would no longer have exclusive control over the gateway to the internet, opening the door for other search engines to gain ground.
Chrome’s role in Google’s dominance
For Google, Chrome is not just a browser; it is a cornerstone of its ecosystem. The browser has become indispensable for millions, offering fast browsing, tight integration with Google services, and a sleek user interface. However, the DoJ sees this dominance as a roadblock to fair competition.
Impact on Google’s ecosystem
Selling Chrome would fundamentally change how browsers and search engines interact. If Google were no longer Chrome’s default search engine, users would be more inclined to explore alternative search tools. This could help other search engines, such as Microsoft’s Bing or more recent entrants, to find an audience.
Moreover, Chrome’s sale could potentially affect other Google services, including YouTube and Google Maps, which rely on the browser for traffic and visibility. It would force Google to reevaluate its approach to user data, privacy, and security.
Google’s response to the DoJ’s proposal
Google has indicated that it will propose its own remedies in response to the DoJ’s actions. Judge Mehta has scheduled a hearing for April 2025 to consider arguments from both sides.
Google’s counterarguments
Google has strongly criticized the DOJ’s proposals, arguing that they could harm consumers, stifle innovation, and weaken privacy protections. In a blog post, Google’s Chief Legal Officer, Kent Walker, described the remedies as disruptive to the tech industry and U.S. competitiveness:
Conclusion: What’s at stake for Google and the future of search?
The potential sale of Chrome marks a turning point in the battle against Google’s search monopoly. While the DoJ seeks to level the playing field, Google warns that this could affect user experience and industry growth.
As the trial progresses, the final decision could not only determine Google’s future, but also, more broadly, redefine the tech landscape. Will competition thrive, or will Google retain its dominant position? The answer, in full or in part, in 2025…