The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing for a historic breakup of Google, proposing that the tech giant sell its Chrome web browser and take steps to prevent its Android operating system from unfairly promoting its own search engine. This move follows a federal court ruling in August that found Google guilty of maintaining an abusive monopoly in the online search market for over a decade.
DOJ’s Sweeping Recommendations
In a 23-page filing submitted late Wednesday, the DOJ outlined several significant measures to address Google’s dominance. Chief among them is the proposal to force Google to sell Chrome, which currently holds more than half of the global browser market share with billions of users. The DOJ argues that by selling Chrome, Google’s control over this key search access point would be eliminated, offering competitors a chance to access the browser that serves as a gateway to the internet for many users.
Additionally, the DOJ recommends restricting Google’s Android smartphone software, including unbundling Google services from Android and ending exclusive agreements that make Google the default search engine on devices, such as those from manufacturers like Apple. These agreements are central to Google’s dominance, contributing to its control of around 90% of the global search market, including 95% of the smartphone search market.
Google’s Response
Google has strongly opposed the DOJ’s proposals, calling them “radical” and warning of potential harm to consumers, developers, and the tech industry as a whole. Kent Walker, Google’s Chief Legal Officer, criticized the DOJ’s plan, suggesting that it would result in excessive government interference. He highlighted that the proposal could require the installation of “two separate choice screens” before accessing Google Search on a Pixel phone, claiming this would complicate the user experience unnecessarily.
Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, argued that the DOJ’s intervention goes far beyond the legal issues at hand. She warned that the government’s actions would undermine American technological leadership and innovation, particularly at a time when such leadership is crucial.
Industry Reactions
The proposed breakup has sparked mixed reactions from industry insiders. Some analysts, like John Gruber of Daring Fireball, question the practicality of forcing Chrome to be sold. He likened it to “selling my left foot,” arguing that Chrome and Google are so intertwined that separating them could harm the business model. Max Weinbach, an analyst at Creative Strategies, echoed similar concerns, suggesting that such a move would effectively kill Chrome’s role and possibly force Google to create a separate version of the browser.
On the other hand, some view the DOJ’s actions as necessary to restore competition in the search market. Kamyl Bazbaz, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at DuckDuckGo, a search engine that has actively opposed Google’s dominance, stated that addressing Google’s illegal conduct over the years requires more than just contract restrictions—it requires strong remedies to foster lasting competition.
Potential Consequences of a Chrome Separation
If the court approves the DOJ’s recommendations, the separation of Chrome from Google could have significant consequences for the tech industry. Divesting Chrome could disrupt Google’s integrated ecosystem, which relies on services like search, advertising, and Chrome itself. Since Chrome serves as a major distribution channel for Google’s advertising revenue, separating it could challenge Google’s business model and its ability to generate income.
However, as Gruber points out, Chrome is not a stand-alone business—it is deeply integrated into Google’s broader advertising ecosystem. Selling Chrome could make it harder for the browser to survive independently, and any potential buyer would face difficulties maintaining its viability as a product separate from Google’s extensive services.
Next Steps
The court is set to hold a hearing in April 2025 to discuss potential remedies, with Judge Amit Mehta aiming to deliver a final ruling before Labor Day. Google has until December 20 to present its own proposals for addressing the DOJ’s concerns.
The outcome of this case could fundamentally reshape the online search and tech industries, and may set a precedent for how government regulators handle monopolistic practices in the digital age.