• The DOJ plans to ask a judge to force Google to divest its Chrome browser, which dominates two-thirds of the global browser market.
  • A trial on the proposed remedies, including potential Chrome and Android divestment, is scheduled for April, with a final ruling expected by August 2025.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask a federal judge to require Alphabet Inc.'s Google (GOOGL.O) to sell its Chrome browser, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources. This follows an August ruling by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who determined that Google had illegally monopolized the search market.

The DOJ will also propose additional measures affecting Google's artificial intelligence initiatives and its Android operating system. Chrome, which controls about two-thirds of the global browser market, is central to Google’s ad business, as it utilizes Google Search and collects user data to target ads.

“Chrome’s dominance allows Google to control how users interact with the internet and the advertisements they see,”

the DOJ argued, suggesting divestment could disrupt Google’s market grip.

Google pushed back strongly against the DOJ's proposed actions. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President of Google Regulatory Affairs, stated,

“The DOJ is pushing a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case and would harm consumers.”

The DOJ’s move is part of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to address Big Tech monopolies. However, political factors loom over the case. Former President Donald Trump’s reelection could significantly influence the proceedings. Trump has alternated between calling for action against Google for perceived bias and questioning whether breaking up the company is beneficial.

Google plans to appeal Judge Mehta’s final ruling, expected by August 2025. A trial on proposed remedies is scheduled for April. Prosecutors are weighing other measures, including ending Google’s exclusive agreements with Apple Inc. (AAPL.O) and other firms to be the default search engine on devices.

Ultimately, whether the divestment of Chrome is necessary could depend on the impact of other remedies on market competition, according to Bloomberg.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah