According to a March 7, 2025 court filing, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) once again called for Google to break up and sell its Chrome web browser. This latest request builds on the DOJ’s ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant.
In 2024, the DOJ first proposed that Google divest Chrome as part of its broader strategy to curb Google’s alleged monopolistic practices. Initially, the proposal faced skepticism, particularly due to Donald Trump's potential return to the presidency. However, the case has gained momentum, with modifications made to earlier demands, such as removing the requirement for Google to divest completely from artificial intelligence (AI). This allows Google to retain strategic investments, including those in Anthropic.
On August 5, 2024, Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google had maintained an illegal online search and advertising monopoly. The DOJ later submitted a proposed final judgment in November 2024, stating:
“Google has unlawfully maintained its monopolies in general search services and search text advertising through a network of anti-competitive practices.”
One of the DOJ’s primary structural recommendations was the mandatory sale of Chrome to curb Google’s dominance in online search.
In December 2024, Google countered the DOJ’s claims with an alternative proposal based on three key components:
Despite these measures, the DOJ has now reaffirmed its stance, softening AI-related requirements while maintaining its push for Google to sell Chrome.
The DOJ’s revised court filing includes several significant structural changes to Google’s business operations:
Google will no longer be allowed to pay third parties, including Apple and other partners, to secure default search engine status on devices or browsers.
Google must sell Chrome to eliminate its monopolistic edge in search engine access.
If other measures fail to promote fair competition, the DOJ may demand the sale of Android to prevent Google from using its mobile operating system to favor its services.
Google will be barred from signing agreements restricting publishers or websites from licensing data to other search engines or AI platforms.
Google must share key search and advertising data with competitors to encourage a more competitive market environment.
Devices and browsers with pre-installed Google services must offer users an option to select their preferred search engine.
A technical committee and compliance officer will oversee Google's adherence to the new regulations.
This initiative is part of a broader antitrust lawsuit led by the DOJ in collaboration with 38 state attorneys. The lawsuit resulted in Judge Mehta’s ruling that Google acted illegally to maintain its monopoly on online searches.
Google has announced its intention to appeal the ruling and submitted its own counterproposal. A Google spokesperson told Reuters:
"The DOJ’s proposals go beyond the court’s decision and could harm consumers and the U.S. economy."
Google will have a chance to challenge the ruling in April 2025, when it appears before Judge Mehta to present its defense.
The DOJ’s intensified push for Google to divest Chrome and potentially Android marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against Big Tech monopolies. With the case heading toward a decisive court ruling, the outcome could reshape the landscape of online search, advertising, and AI-driven services for years.
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