Google May Have to Sell Chrome Browser To Comply With Court Ruling

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended that Google sell its Chrome web browser and potentially the Android mobile operating system as part of efforts to address the company’s alleged monopoly in online search.

In a filing submitted to the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C., the DOJ outlined measures to dismantle Google’s illegal monopolies in general search services and search text advertising.

DOJ Seeks Divestiture of Chrome & Possibly Android

The DOJ’s proposal focuses on the divestiture of the Chrome browser, which it claims has contributed to Google’s dominance in the search market.

The DOJ suggested that if behavioral remedies fail to restore competition, Google should consider selling the Android mobile operating system, although this may face objections from Google and other market participants.

Aside from the structural breakup, the DOJ is also seeking conduct remedies such as prohibiting exclusivity agreements, banning self-preferencing of search products, mandating data sharing with rivals, and establishing a Technical Committee for compliance monitoring.

Google Responds To DOJ’s Proposal

Google has criticized the DOJ’s proposal, labeling it as a radical interventionist agenda that could impede innovation and America’s global technology leadership.

Google’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, stated that the remedies could negatively impact various Google products and harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses.

Google raised concerns about user data privacy, security risks, and potential setbacks in artificial intelligence investment due to the proposed divestiture of Chrome and Android.

Next Steps

The recent court filings are part of the DOJ’s antitrust case against Google, which began in October 2020 and is expected to lead to discussions on solutions to restore competition following a ruling that Google violated antitrust laws.

Both parties will present detailed proposals for solutions in the coming months, with a hearing scheduled for next year, potentially impacting Google’s business model and the online advertising market.

FAQs

1. What is the DOJ’s proposal for Google?

The DOJ has suggested that Google divest its Chrome web browser and potentially the Android mobile operating system to address alleged monopoly concerns in online search.

2. How has Google responded to the DOJ’s proposal?

Google has criticized the proposal, expressing concerns about its impact on innovation, consumer experience, and America’s technology leadership.

3. What are the conduct remedies proposed by the DOJ?

The DOJ is seeking remedies such as prohibiting exclusivity agreements, banning self-preferencing of search products, mandating data sharing with rivals, and establishing a Technical Committee for compliance monitoring.

4. What are the potential consequences of the proposed divestiture of Chrome and Android?

Google has raised concerns about user data privacy, security risks, and potential setbacks in artificial intelligence investment if Chrome and Android are divested.

5. What are the next steps in the antitrust case against Google?

Following the recent court filings, both parties will present detailed proposals for solutions to restore competition, with a hearing scheduled for next year, which could significantly impact Google’s business model and the online advertising market.