The US Justice Department is urging a federal judge to force Google to sell its Chrome browser in an antitrust case. The move comes after two judges ruled that Google’s online browser and advertising businesses were illegal monopolies last year. DOJ lawyers argue that Google’s conduct has created an economic “goliath” that harms competition and forces the public to accept limited choices.
In a new filing, the government asks Judge Amit Mehta to order Google to sell its Chrome browser, end agreements with smartphone manufacturers that make its search engine the default option, and provide competitors access to data. Google responds by asking only to restrict its ability to give its browser preferential placement on smartphones and browsers.
If successful, forcing Google to break up its assets would be a significant action against a monopoly, similar to the Microsoft breakup 25 years ago. However, the outcome is uncertain, as the court’s decision could face appeals. The case has been ongoing since Trump’s first administration and involves other tech giants like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp owner Meta, and Amazon.
A judge must consider the severity of Google’s infraction before imposing significant remedies. While divestiture might be difficult to achieve, the judge is likely to take a strong stance against Google’s anti-competitive practices.
Source: https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/google-faces-fight-to-keep-company-intact-after-losing-pair-of-antitrust-cases-search-engine-online-advertising-chrome-browser-doj-ftc-big-tech