Google, which controls approximately 90% of the online search market, faces an unprecedented challenge from the U.S. government.
Federal authorities have urged a judge to mandate the divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser in a landmark move aimed at curbing the dominance of one of the world’s largest tech companies.
In a publicly released document, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) argues that Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., should divest Chrome, share search data and results with competitors, and implement measures to end its monopoly in online search.
If approved, these measures would place Google under strict regulatory oversight for ten years, monitored by a federal court in Washington. This comes after the court recently found Google guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search and advertising markets, according to Reuters.
The DOJ claims that Google’s anti-competitive behavior has deprived rivals of essential distribution channels and partnerships, stifling their ability to innovate and enter the market. The document also calls for prohibiting Google from signing agreements with device manufacturers that mandate the pre-installation of Chrome or its search engine on smartphones.
The authorities aim to prevent Google from leveraging its Android operating system to promote other products. They are even pushing for the company to divest Android entirely if it fails to address these concerns through innovation.
This request marks a significant shift in U.S. antitrust enforcement, which has largely left tech giants unchallenged since the failed attempt to break up Microsoft two decades ago.
In a landmark ruling last year, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta found Google guilty of engaging in illegal practices to establish and maintain its search monopoly. Judge Mehta is expected to decide on penalties by August 2025, following a formal request from regulators and hearings scheduled for April 2025.
Google has until December to submit its counterarguments, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, statistics from StatCounter reveal that Google held a staggering 90% share of the global search market in September, including 94% on smartphones.
This ongoing legal battle could reshape the future of the tech industry and set new standards for fair competition.
