It looks like even with a regime change, Google is still in hot waters in the United States. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reaffirmed its stance that Google must divest its Chrome web browser as part of efforts to address the company's alleged monopoly in the search engine market.
Back in 2024, a court ruling had determined Google's search engine practices were anticompetitive. The Donald Trump administration is clear that Google must sell Chrome but has given the tech giant some reprieve.
The DOJ's revised proposal emphasises that Chrome, as a major gateway to internet searches, plays a critical role in Google's dominance. “Google’s illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that—no matter what occurs—Google always wins,” said the DOJ.
By requiring the sale of Chrome, the DOJ aims to create a more competitive environment, allowing rival search engines to gain fair access to users. The agency believes this measure will help dismantle Google's control over key search access points.
Some relief for Google
Interestingly, the DOJ has dropped its earlier suggestion that Google divest its Android operating system. However, the agency has maintained restrictions on Google's ability to pay companies like Apple and Mozilla to make Google Search the default option on their platforms. These payments have been a significant factor in Google's ability to maintain its market dominance.
The proposal also includes provisions for Google's investments in artificial intelligence (AI). While the DOJ has eased restrictions in this area, allowing Google to continue funding AI initiatives, the company must notify the agency of any new AI-related investments.
Google, for its part, has expressed its intention to appeal the monopoly ruling and is expected to present its own revised proposal soon. The final decision on the remedies Google must implement is anticipated by September 2025, following a hearing scheduled for April. The company is yet to comment on the new proposals made by the DOJ.
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