DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome – Is Android Next?

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a major step toward dismantling Google’s monopoly in search, calling for the tech giant to sell its popular Chrome browser. This move marks the first significant remedy proposed under the Trump administration’s DOJ, which has taken a different approach from the Biden-era recommendations. Notably, the DOJ is no longer pushing for Google to sell off its AI investments, though its stance on Android remains under scrutiny.

Google’s Alleged Monopoly & DOJ’s Justification – DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome

According to the DOJ’s latest filing, Google’s dominance has created an “economic goliath” that manipulates the market to ensure its continued success. As a result, the government argues that divesting Chrome is necessary to restore competition. The DOJ is seeking a court order to force Google to fully separate Chrome, along with any related data and assets, from its operations. The goal is to transfer the browser’s massive 3.4 billion-user base to a new competitor, with safeguards in place to prevent national security risks.

Furthermore, during the transition period, Google would be prohibited from launching any new web browsers, although it may continue contributing to the open-source Chromium project.

Shifting Strategies on AI & Android

While the DOJ is maintaining its firm stance on Chrome, its approach to AI and Android has evolved. Initially, the government aimed to limit Google’s AI investments, citing their growing influence on search. However, following Google’s recent lobbying efforts, the DOJ has backed off from forcing divestitures in the AI sector. Instead, Google will be required to notify the government before making any new AI-related investments.

On the Android front, the DOJ’s filing hints at potential regulatory actions, though specifics remain unclear. While the department has not explicitly ordered a breakup, ongoing scrutiny suggests that Android’s future under Google could be subject to further legal battles.

Google Pushes Back – DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome

Unsurprisingly, Google opposes the DOJ’s proposed remedies. A company spokesperson stated that the DOJ’s demands “go miles beyond the Court’s decision” and could negatively impact consumers, the economy, and national security. Google has not revised its counterproposal, which focuses on modifying search placement deals and accepting additional regulatory oversight rather than breaking up its core business segments.

What’s Next? – DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome

The case is currently overseen by Omeed Assefi, acting head of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, until Trump nominee Gail Slater secures Senate confirmation. Slater has voiced strong support for stricter regulations on Big Tech, raising the possibility of even tougher measures against Google in the near future.

While Google has managed to protect its AI investments for now, the fate of Chrome and possibly Android hangs in the balance. With regulators keeping a close eye on its market influence, Google’s legal battle is far from over.

Government to monitor AI and Android –

DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome

There are two notable changes in the government’s position regarding Android and AI investment. Neither area will completely escape the government’s grasp under the proposed remedies, but Google won’t have to sell anything immediately. -DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome

This case centered on search and did not initially hinge on artificial intelligence. However, things have changed in the years since this case began. Last year, Judge Mehta allowed the government to seek limits on Google’s AI investments on the basis that AI was going to be a core part of web search going forward. Google has unintentionally proven that point just recently when it debuted its new AI Mode in search, which replaces the list of 10 blue links with an AI-derived answer. However, the DOJ is no longer making this request.

This is a small but important win for Google, which has been pumping billions into firms like Anthropic as the AI market takes shape. The company claimed that limiting its activities in this area would weaken US leadership in AI. It made this case to the newly restaffed DOJ in recent weeks, and it apparently had an impact. The DOJ no longer seeks to force Google to divest from competing AI firms. Instead, Google would have to notify the government before making new AI investments. – DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome

Unsurprisingly, Google’s remedy position is light-years away from the Justice Department’s. “DOJ’s sweeping proposals continue to go miles beyond the Court’s decision and would harm America’s consumers, economy, and national security,” said a Google spokesperson.

As expected, Google did not change its suggested remedies in the case, handing the court a proposal identical to the one it filed months ago. Google says it’s open to changing the way search placement deals work for browsers and Android devices, plus it would accept some additional regulatory oversight to ensure compliance. However, staffing changes at the DOJ and Google’s recent meetings have not done much to change the government’s desire to carve up the company. – DOJ Orders Google to Sell Chrome