DOJ Proposes Google to Sell Chrome to Break Search Monopoly

Department of Justice Calls for Google to Divest Chrome Browser: A Move to Restore Competition

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a significant push to foster competition in the online search market, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny of tech giants. In a recent filing made late Wednesday with the DC District Court, the DOJ has proposed that Google divest its Chrome web browser to enhance competition within the industry.

Key Points of the Proposal

This proposal is a refinement of earlier outlines of remedies issued by the DOJ after a federal judge found that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in search and search text advertising. The filing includes a series of comprehensive requirements intended to restrict Google's business practices:

• Prohibiting specific agreements that limit competition.
• Breaking up parts of the Google ecosystem, particularly focusing on Chrome.
• Leaving the door open for potentially requiring Google to also spin out its Android business.

The Implications of Spinning Out Chrome

The renewed focus on Google’s Chrome browser highlights its role as a critical access point for web searches. By divesting this browser, the DOJ believes it may restore competition by preventing Google from exercising its dominance over how users access the internet.

Android: A Potential Future Spin-Out?

The DOJ’s filing suggests that while an outright spin-out of Android is not currently demanded, the option remains. If Google were to circumvent the new regulations proposed by the DOJ, the court could impose additional mandates, including the separation of its Android business. This potential threat serves as a leverage point for the DOJ.

Additional Remedies Proposed by the DOJ

The DOJ has also suggested several other remedies aimed at dismantling Google’s monopolistic practices:

• Prohibiting financial incentives offered to third parties (such as Apple) to make Google the default search engine or discourage hosting competitors.
• Banning Google from self-preferencing its search engine on platforms it owns, such as YouTube and Gemini.
• Mandating access for rivals to Google's search index at marginal cost on an ongoing basis.
• Requiring Google to syndicate its search data and ranking signals for a decade.
• Allowing websites to opt-out from Google's AI overviews without penalty.

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

As the litigation continues, Judge Amit Mehta will determine the most effective ways to restore competition in the market. A revised version of the DOJ’s proposals is expected by early March, leading to a two-week remedies trial scheduled for April. This case unfolds under a new administration overseeing the DOJ, which could result in changes to the proposed solutions. However, the case initially emerged during the Trump administration, indicating that scrutiny on Google will persist.

Closing Arguments in Related Cases

As this case progresses, Google is also dealing with another antitrust case concerning its advertising technology business, with closing arguments scheduled in Alexandria, VA. These ongoing legal challenges reflect the increasing regulatory pressures faced by major tech companies.

Conclusion

The DOJ’s efforts to require Google to divest from the Chrome browser, and potentially Android, signal a transformative period for tech regulation. By attempting to dismantle monopolistic structures and promote competition, the government aims to create a fairer marketplace for online search and advertising.