Google has strongly pushed back against a reported U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) proposal to force the company to sell Chrome, its dominant web browser. This measure, tied to a broader antitrust ruling on Google’s search monopoly, is expected to be formally proposed to a judge soon.
In August, Judge Amit Mehta found Google operates a monopoly in online search and is now considering penalties. The DOJ’s remedies may include breaking up Google’s integration of Chrome, Android, and its Play Store to prevent advantages for Google Search. Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland labeled the DOJ’s stance a “radical agenda” and argued it would harm consumers and businesses while stifling U.S. technological leadership.
Chrome commands a global browser market share of 64.61%, with Google Search dominating nearly 90% of global search traffic. Critics argue these positions give Google undue control over the online ecosystem. In his ruling, Judge Mehta described Google’s agreements to make its search engine the default choice as highly lucrative, creating barriers for competitors.
Google denies monopolistic practices, claiming that breaking off Chrome or Android would disrupt its business model, increase device costs, and compromise security. With the DOJ expected to finalize its proposals soon, this case could significantly alter the tech landscape if a breakup is ordered.
