DOJ Targets Google’s Search Dominance in High-Stakes Antitrust Battle

Department of Justice emblem on the American flag.

Google faces potential breakup as DOJ pushes for Chrome sale in landmark antitrust case.

At a Glance

DOJ urges Google to divest Chrome browser to address search market monopoly
Federal judge ruled Google holds an illegal monopoly in search market
Proposed remedies include ending exclusive agreements and facilitating access for competitors
Google plans to appeal the monopoly ruling and file its own proposals
Final ruling expected by August 2025, with potential delays anticipated

DOJ Takes Aim at Google’s Search Dominance

In a bold move to reshape the digital landscape, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing for Google to sell off its Chrome browser. This action comes after a federal judge ruled that the tech giant holds a monopoly in the search market, violating antitrust laws. The DOJ’s proposal, part of a broader effort to break Google’s stranglehold on online searches, marks the most aggressive antitrust action against a tech company since the Microsoft case in 2001.

The antitrust battle, initiated four years ago, reached a critical juncture when Judge Amit Mehta declared Google a monopolist. The DOJ’s response includes a range of corrective actions aimed at leveling the playing field in the search engine market. Central to this strategy is the proposed divestiture of Chrome, a browser launched in 2008 that has become a key tool for Google in maintaining its search dominance and targeting ads.

DOJ asks judge to force Google to sell Chrome as remedy in landmark antitrust case https://t.co/SB5sWnKzrw

— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) November 21, 2024

Chrome Divestiture: A Game-Changing Proposal

The DOJ’s filing argues for the necessity of Chrome’s divestiture, stating, “To remedy these harms, the [Initial Proposed Final Judgment] requires Google to divest Chrome, which will permanently stop Google’s control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet.” This move could dramatically alter the competitive landscape, with potential proceeds for Google estimated between $15 billion to $20 billion.

Beyond Chrome, the DOJ aims to dismantle Google’s network of exclusive agreements with companies like Apple and Samsung. These deals, which cost Google billions annually, ensure its search engine remains the default on various devices. The case revealed that Google paid $26 billion in 2021 for such arrangements, including $18 billion to Apple alone.

Google’s Response and Future Implications

Google, unsurprisingly, opposes these measures. The company plans to appeal the monopoly ruling and file its own proposals. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s regulatory affairs VP, criticized the DOJ’s approach, stating, “The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case. The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed.”

The case’s resolution remains uncertain. Judge Mehta has scheduled a two-week hearing in April 2025 to discuss remedies, with a final ruling expected by August 2025. However, legal experts anticipate potential delays, especially with the transition to a new presidential administration. The outcome of this landmark case could redefine the competitive landscape of online searches and set precedents for future antitrust actions in the tech industry.