U.S. Antitrust Push: Google May Be Forced to Sell Chrome Browser
The United States is considering mandating that Google divest its Chrome browser product.
U.S regulators are also looking to split up Googles Android operating system from its offerings, like Google Search and the Google Play Store.
The U.S Department of Justice is requesting Google to divest its Chrome browser as part of a case as reported by Bloomberg news sources. In August this year a U.S court legally recognized Google as a monopoly. Since then regulators have been deliberating on actions to curb the companys anti competitive behaviors.
How Google’s $20 Billion Deal with Apple Impacts Antitrust Actions
The Department intends to seek an order compelling Google to divest Chrome—recognized as the most widely used web browser globally due to concerns around its bundling, with Google Search and other related products that have been cited as inhibiting search competition.
Regulators are also aiming to distinguish the Android operating system from Google services such, as Google Search and Google Play Store that usually come pre installed in Android devices by default. Initially it was anticipated that Google would have to sell Android. This requirement was eventually removed.
Chrome Browser Sale: The U.S. DOJ’s Push to Break Google’s Monopoly
The U.S Department of Justice is considering a proposal that would compel Google to permit the licensing of its data and enable the blending of search outcomes within Google Search platform.This initiative aims to empower competitors and AI startups to enhance their algorithms and establish their search databases.Moreover Google might be obliged to disclose data to advertisers resulting in them having more influence, over ad positioning.
Google will no more have the permission to make deals like the one with Apple which ensured Google as the default search engine, in Safari for $20 billion next year in 2022.
Googles appeal of the ruling is in progress with a two week hearing scheduled for April 2025 to review the proposed changes, by Google before the final decision expected in August 2025.
Google recently prevailed in a case where they contested and successfully overturned a $ 17 billion penalty imposed by the European Union.
Shandor Brenner is an American journalist recognized for his sharp and insightful reporting on social and political issues. His work is known for its depth, integrity, and the ability to highlight critical societal concerns.
