The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pressing for the sale of Google Chrome, a move that could fetch as much as $20 billion for Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, if approved by a federal judge. The demand comes as part of a broader antitrust case targeting Google’s dominance in the search and browser markets, with U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta overseeing the proceedings.
In August, Judge Mehta ruled that Google had illegally monopolized the search market, citing that its distribution agreements stifled competition and blocked rivals from succeeding. “Google’s dominance has gone unchallenged for well over a decade,” Mehta stated in his memorandum opinion. He further noted that Google spent $26 billion in 2021 alone to make Chrome the default browser on smartphones and other devices, a strategy that foreclosed opportunities for competitors to gain a foothold.
If the sale of Chrome is mandated, it would significantly impact Google’s advertising empire, which relies heavily on the integration of its search and browser tools. Alphabet Inc., valued at over $2 trillion, owes much of its market capitalization to its highly lucrative advertising business, which could face disruption if Chrome is no longer part of its ecosystem.
The DOJ’s demands extend beyond Chrome, with requests for regulatory oversight on Google’s artificial intelligence platforms and Android operating system. States involved in the antitrust lawsuit, originally led by Colorado, are recommending additional measures, such as data licensing requirements, to ensure fair competition. This coalition includes states like California, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Kentucky, among others.
The next hearing in this landmark case is scheduled for November 26 in Washington, D.C. Should Judge Mehta rule in favor of the DOJ, the forced sale of Chrome would mark a significant turning point in efforts to regulate big tech and curb monopolistic practices in the digital economy.