The Department of Justice is set to take action against Alphabet’s Google by requesting a judge to compel the tech giant to sell off its Chrome browser, as reported by Bloomberg. This move comes after a ruling in August that found Google guilty of monopolizing the search market illegally. The DOJ is also looking into measures related to artificial intelligence and Google’s Android smartphone operating system.
The DOJ has refrained from commenting on the matter, while Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, expressed concerns over the DOJ’s agenda, stating that it could potentially harm consumers. The Biden administration’s aggressive stance on Big Tech monopolies is evident in this latest development.
However, the outcome of the case could also be influenced by the re-election of Donald Trump. Prior to the election, Trump had voiced intentions to prosecute Google for perceived bias against him. Nonetheless, he later questioned the idea of breaking up the company. The final ruling on the case is expected from US District Judge Amit Mehta by August 2025.
Various remedies have been proposed by prosecutors, ranging from ending exclusive agreements with companies like Apple to divesting parts of Google’s business, including the Chrome browser and Android operating system. Google plans to appeal the decision once it is finalized.
Google argues that its search engine’s popularity is a result of its quality and that competition exists from platforms like Amazon. The government may consider a Chrome sale as a necessary step if other remedies fail to create a more competitive market.
In conclusion, the battle between Google and the DOJ highlights the ongoing struggle to regulate Big Tech companies and ensure a fair marketplace for consumers. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry as a whole.
