- DOJ Demands Chrome Divestiture to Curb Google’s Alleged Monopoly.
- Judge’s Ruling Strengthens Case Against Google’s Search Dominance.
- Google Paid $26.3 Billion in 2021 to Maintain Search Engine Default Status.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has stepped up its antitrust fight against Google, calling for the tech giant to divest its Chrome web browser to dissolve its supposed monopoly in online search. In a recent court document, the DOJ laid out tough restrictions, including prohibiting Google from paying firms such as Apple and Mozilla to set its search engine as the default choice, reports Gadgets Now.
U.S. Justice Department Demands Google Divest Chrome Browser
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has intensified its antitrust actions against Google, insisting that the tech giant divest its Chrome web browser to dismantle its alleged monopoly in online search. In a recent court filing, the DOJ emphasized that Google must “promptly and fully divest Chrome, along with any assets or services necessary to successfully complete the divestiture, to a buyer approved by the Plaintiffs in their sole discretion, subject to terms that the Court and Plaintiffs approve.”
Allegations of Anticompetitive Practices
The DOJ’s proposal follows Judge Amit P. Mehta’s August 2024 ruling that Google maintained its search monopoly by paying web browsers and smartphone manufacturers to feature its search engine. During the 2023 trial, evidence revealed that Google paid $26.3 billion in 2021 for these arrangements. The government asserts that such practices have created an “economic goliath” that undermines competition, stating, “Google’s illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that—no matter what occurs—Google always wins.”
Recommended Steps to Revive Competition
In addition to the divestiture of Chrome, the DOJ wants to prevent Google from entering paid deals with firms such as Apple and Mozilla to serve as the default search engine on their platforms. The department also suggests that Google permit its competitors to show Google’s results and use its data for a decade, hoping to equalize the playing field and boost consumer choice.
Google’s Rejoinder and Future Proceedings
Google is going to challenge the DOJ’s suggestions, citing that the steps may hurt consumers and national security. Google argues that users select its search engine because of its quality, not due to default options. Arguments on the proposed remedies before the courts are lined up for April, with Judge Mehta set to make a final ruling before Labor Day (May 1).
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Source: Gadgets Now
