Justice Department Demands Google Sell Chrome Browser

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has called for Google to divest its Chrome browser as a remedy for its monopolization of the online search market, reports The Wall Street Journal. This drastic measure, following the government's antitrust victory against Google earlier this year, is expected to trigger a significant legal battle.

Government lawyers argue that Google's dominance can only be effectively addressed by separating its search engine from key internet access products such as Chrome and Android. Chrome currently commands approximately two-thirds of the global browser market, and its search bar defaults to Google unless users change their settings, the DOJ noted, citing data from Statcounter.

The DOJ's proposed remedy includes several key stipulations, including:

• Chrome Divestiture: Google must sell its Chrome browser.
• Android Restrictions: Google must prevent preferential treatment of its search engine on Android devices. Failure to comply would necessitate the divestiture of Android as well.
• Default Search Engine Payments: Google must cease paying to be the default search engine on browsers, including Chrome under its new ownership.

"The remedy must enable and encourage the development of an unfettered search ecosystem that induces entry, competition and innovation as rivals vie to win the business of consumers and advertisers,” the DOJ and co-plaintiffs wrote in their filing.

The DOJ's proposal also addresses Google's role in the burgeoning AI market, seeking to compel Google to allow website publishers to opt out of having their data used to train its AI models or to compensate them for such use.

Google has issued a statement opposing the proposed spinoffs, arguing that they would harm consumers, developers, and American technological leadership. The company also accused the DOJ of pursuing a policymaking agenda rather than focusing on antitrust concerns.

US District Judge Amit Mehta, who oversaw the antitrust trial, will preside over a hearing in April to determine the appropriate remedies for Google's violations. The judge has indicated a plan to issue a decision by August, but Google is likely to appeal, potentially delaying the implementation of any ruling for an extended period.

The DOJ's proposal reflects a broader effort by the Biden administration to curb the power of major tech companies. While the DOJ will have a new antitrust chief under the incoming Trump administration, Republicans have generally supported antitrust action against Google. The lawsuit itself was originally filed in 2020 during the Trump presidency.

Fiona Scott Morton, a Yale University economist and former Justice Department official, argued that a divestiture of Chrome would be the most effective way to foster competition in the search market, given Google's strong incentive to favor its own search engine as long as it controls Chrome.

The DOJ’s proposal also includes a requirement for Google to share its search data with competitors.