The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has intensified its battle against Google, demanding the tech giant divest its Chrome browser. The request is part of proposed remedies aiming to curb Google’s alleged monopoly in online search.
This follows a landmark August ruling by District Judge Amit Mehta, which found Google illegally stifled competition in search markets. Alongside Chrome’s sale, the DOJ has urged the court to prevent Google from forming default search engine agreements with firms like Apple and Samsung.
The DOJ’s proposals, supported by several US states, aim to restore competition in search and search advertising. “Restoring competition will require reactivating the competitive process that Google has long stifled,” the filing stated.
Google strongly opposed the recommendations, labelling them “radical” and damaging to technological progress. Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs, argued the DOJ’s proposals overreach, potentially harming products “people love and use every day.”
The DOJ also proposed barring Google from re-entering the browser market for five years and enforcing oversight of Android. This oversight aims to prevent Google from leveraging its operating system to promote its search engine.
The case, initiated during Donald Trump’s presidency, raises questions about how his incoming administration will proceed. Experts suggest Trump is unlikely to abandon the lawsuit, and states involved can independently push forward.
Legal scholars argue these measures could revitalise competition in search. Professor Laura Phillips-Sawyer noted that Google’s contracts hinder innovation, making it difficult for new entrants to compete. If Judge Mehta approves the proposals, the online search market could see fresh competitors emerge.
Judge Mehta is expected to issue a final decision by summer 2025.
