DOJ seeks to force Google to sell Chrome

The US Department of Justice plans to request a federal judge to order Google to divest its Chrome browser. This move follows an August ruling that found Google illegally monopolized the search market through exclusive distribution agreements and anti competitive pricing practices.

The DOJ's request will also seek measures concerning Google's artificial intelligence operations and Android operating system. This initiative represents one of the Biden administration's most aggressive attempts to address alleged Big Tech monopolies.

Google, whose primary advertising business generated $65.9 billion in its latest quarter, maintains that its search engine's success is based on quality and faces significant competition from Amazon and other platforms. The company argues that users have the freedom to choose alternative search engines as their default.

US District Judge Amit Mehta, who will oversee the case, is expected to address potential remedies in April, with a final ruling anticipated by August 2025. The remedies under consideration range from ending Google's exclusive agreements with companies like Apple to maintaining their search engine as the default option on devices, for which Google pays billions annually.

The government retains the flexibility to reassess the necessity of a Chrome sale later, depending on whether other remedial measures successfully create a more competitive market. Google plans to appeal the final ruling when it comes.

This development occurs amid broader scrutiny of tech giants, though with mixed political signals. While Trump had previously pledged to prosecute Google for alleged bias, he later expressed uncertainty about breaking up the company. The case represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate over big tech regulation and market competition.